Mums helping mums
Adventists in Mildura in north-west Victoria have come up with an innovative way to help mums struggling in the cost-of-living crisis affecting many Australians.
They have launched an Affordable Wardrobe, which provides high-quality, gently used second-hand clothing to mums in the community. Mums can visit and select clothes for their children for free or for a donation, if they feel impressed to give. The wardrobe is being run by members of a local Mums At The Table group*.
The Affordable Wardrobe typically operates on Monday mornings at the Mildura Seventh-day Adventist church hall. It runs while the Mums At The Table playgroup is happening, so children are able to play while their mums take some time out to “shop”. The Affordable Wardrobe is open to everyone in need, and news about it has mostly spread by word of mouth across the community.
One young mum who was caring for two children of her own, as well as two of her friends’ young infants, had nothing to dress the children in. She was invited to the Affordable Wardrobe where she filled up two big shopping bags with baby clothes, swimmers, sleeping suits and shoes.
”She was absolutely blown away and so very appreciative,” reflects Larissa Forbes-Wilson, who started the Affordable Wardrobe. The mum told Larissa a few days later that the infants had been having the best sleeps since receiving the sleeping suits.
”Mums are just so happy to be able to pick high-quality clothing . . . so many just can’t believe the generosity of others,” says Larissa.
* Mums At The Table is an initiative of Adventist Media providing support and encouragement to mums around Australia and New Zealand. Visit https://mumsatthetable.com/