Alola "Mother and Baby Packs"
update - October 2005

How you can help...

AETFA is working with several Rotary groups collecting baby and maternity clothes for the Alola Foundation to use in their "Wise Mother" packs.

Alola hope to give one of these to every new mother in the Dili hospital in the hope that it will encourage more mothers to have their babies there and thus reduce East Timor's appalling maternal and infant mortality rate.

New or good used light-weight baby clothes are needed— the smaller the better—and also cotton or cotton mix material to make into wraps for new-born babies. Pieces need to be at least 70cmx90cm; colour or pattern doesn't matter. Also needed are cloth napkins, lengths of terry towelling and baby soap.

Money is also needed to pay shipping costs. A container costs between $3000 and $4000 to send. Alternately, Alola can buy the contents of each pack in East Timor for $20 and this will also provide much-needed work for some women who will hem the wraps and make up clothing.

If you can help with clothing, collection or packing, ring Miriam on 8295 6481. Money for shipping costs can be sent to AETFA specifying what it is to be used for.

Or send money direct to the Alola Foundation through their treasurer Jan Hayes
PO Box 23, SOUTH MELBOURNE 3205 VIC

Miriam Tonkin
AETFA Chairperson