August Mother's Group Challenge

In case you blinked and missed August (I know I did!) here's the August Mother's Group Challenge, which can of course be done at any time of the year. Watch this space for September's challenge, coming soon!

What is the Mother’s Group Challenge?

Mothers can and do make a difference in the lives of those around them every day. In our experience groups of mothers can make a BIG difference and so the inspiration behind the Mother's Group Challenge is... you! Each month we will plan a Mother's Group Challenge that you can choose to take up. Bear in mind that it's not meant to be done alone, so grab your mummy's group buddies and get it happening together!

Who
We are choosing to support Backpacks 4 Aussie Kids (B4AK) this month.Tens of thousands of children are placed in foster care each year in Australia. B4AK is an organization that is dedicated to provided children in foster care with a backpack that contains essential and personal items.

What
Your Mother's Group Challenge for August 2011 is to create CARE PACKS for these Aussie troopers! Creating little care packs for children in foster care is so easy and can make such a huge difference.

Items most needed at the moment are:
Undies
Toothbrush/paste
Mini shampoo and bath wash
Dummies
Bottles
Formula sachets
Torch
Clothing size 5 and up (good, pre-loved condition are welcome)

Make sure you package them (small plastic bags are fine) and label them for the age/gender of the child, including a list of what the care pack contains so that the coordinators can just pick it up and pop it in a backpack. It’s also nice to get your kids to go through their toys and books and choose a toy or book that they want to give away. Something clean and in good usable condition.

Another idea is to collect backpacks. Do a door knock of your neighbourhood and collect backpacks that are in good condition that the organisation can use to package these essential items.

How
Of course, most of the items on this list need to be new so you will need to either commit to putting aside some money each day or fundraise. An easy way to do it is to break up the list. Say you decide to make packages for 5 year olds and there are 8 mums in your group. Decide on 8 items you will put in your care packs (undies, toothpaste, toothbrush, mini shampoo/conditioner, torch with batteries, toy, colouring book, pencils) and each commit to save 50c-$1 a day for the month. With that $15-$30, you can purchase 8 of each item (or collect the toys/books) and create the care packs.

Where
To find your local project, please visit: http://www.backpacks4aussiekids.com.au/Articles/project-needs-in-each-area.html If none of these are local to you, please consider fundraising to send the items to the area that needs your specific care packs.

When
NOW! This month. Resolve to do this for August 2011. Whether you get together once a week, once a fortnight or only once a month; make sure you do it this month. There is no better time for action that today.

Why
Because the children need us to do this. And now.


WHO'S IN?? Let us know how your group decides to tackle the challenge, share your ideas and post photos!