MU still offering a helping hand
Despite not being able to meet throughout the COVID pandemic, Mothers’ Union members in the diocese have not been idle!
Since lockdown began almost a year ago, branches have rallied in taking care of their members with phone calls and helping as much as they can within the parameters of the restrictions. Meanwhile at diocesan level, they have continued to support the projects to which they have a longstanding commitment.
Women’s Aid
Back in December 2020, Down and Dromore MU’s Social Policy Representative, Joy Silcock, visited St Colman’s High and Sixth Form College, Ballynahinch to receive a £250 donation from the school (pictured above).
Joy commented, “We were very grateful to St Colman’s for their support again in this very challenging season. The money went to towards our project supporting families in the two Women’s Aid Refuges in the diocese”.
MU made several donations of food and toiletries to Women’s Aid throughout the year. At Christmas further gifts were supplied as well as food items and food vouchers for distribution in 2021.
Hydebank Prison
Down and Dromore MU also delivered personal gifts and Christmas cards for the women and boys in Hydebank Prison. The Governor expressed gratitude for this wonderful gesture and emphasised that they were very much appreciated by all, especially as family contact had been restricted during the pandemic.
Baby clothes and toiletry bags
Mothers’ Union also answered an appeal for baby cardigans and hats in size 0–3 months. One of their members had been in the maternity unit and noted that there was a lack of these items. MU members were very quick to respond to this request. One branch had also knitted a number of beautiful baby cot blankets which were donated to Baby Basics (an initiative of a number our parishes in which Mothers’ Union are involved). Donations of baby clothes were also made through Midwifery Services to families in need
Donations of toiletry bags were made to the Ulster, Daisy Hill (Newry), and Craigavon Hospitals. These are very much appreciated by patients who are unexpectedly admitted to hospital in an emergency situation.
With thanks to Rosie Teggarty