We thank our friends at The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) Group who are continuing their support of disadvantaged mothers and babies by becoming a Gold Foundation Partner and Gold Changemaker Partner.
When the COVID pandemic hit, The Hospital Research Foundation Group threw us a lifeline grant, allowing us to pull through the initial impact of the pandemic stronger than ever. The Foundation’s continued focus on improving the health and wellbeing of their community has seen them continue their support, by partnering to sponsor Treasure Boxes and our Safe Start program, keeping newborns safe, with a $65,000 grant.
Rikki Cooke, Treasure Boxes Founder and CEO, said she was immensely grateful for THRF Group’s support after a huge spike in demand.
“Since 2019, we have experienced a 580% increase in need for our services,” Rikki said.
“The Hospital Research Foundation Group generously threw us a lifeline in 2020 to keep our services open during the height of the COVID pandemic, and we greatly appreciate this new commitment to ensure the longevity of our programs.
“The Gold Changemaker partnership specifically supports our Safe Start program, which provides vital essentials for newborns such as cots, bedding, highchairs, car seats, breast pumps, bottles and sterilisers, nappies, clothing and bedding to thousands of infants and babies across Adelaide.
“We aim to support 5,000 babies and children in 2021, but also need help from the public through donations of either funds or preloved goods, particularly cots.”
Paul Flynn, CEO of THRF Group, said the organisation was proud to support Treasure Boxes’ admirable work with the $65,000 grant which will go directly to helping disadvantaged new mothers and babies.
“Our ‘Together.Fight.’ campaign is all about banding together to improve the health and wellbeing of our community, and collaborating with a like-minded organisation such as Treasures Boxes which has real impact in the community is the perfect example of that,” Paul said.
“Safe Start in particular works as an early intervention service with a focus on vital nursery equipment to keep babies safe. We all know that the earlier we can support people, the greater chance of a more positive long-term health outcome.
“Every child deserves someone fighting for their health and helping them have the best start in life.”
The Safe Start program was originally developed by our sister organisation, St Kilda Mums.