By JOLENE OGLE
IN Australia, giving birth in a hospital is expected, but for many women throughout the world access to basics such as soap can be impossible.
Zonta Noosa are helping women give birth with basic hygiene items, thanks to generous locals who shopped at the Zeconda secondhand pop-up shop in Noosa Junction.
The pop-up store ran throughout October selling second-hand items and Zonta Noosa president Patricia Cussens said the club couldn’t thank the community enough for their generous support.
“We raised over $13,000, which is truly amazing, given there wasn’t anything in the shop that was priced above $40 and most was at $20 or below for each item,” she said.
“It just shows how many people came through our door.”
The birthing kits consist of a plastic sheet for the mother to lie on, a piece of soap, a pair of gloves, three gauze squares, cord ties, clamps and a sterile scalpel blade, all sealed in a press-seal bag.
Mr Cussens said each Zonta birthing kit cost $3 to produce and transport, and would be assembled by the Zonta Club of Noosa before being sent to the Birthing Kit Foundation overseas.
“Birthing kits for women in the developing world ensure a clean birth, saving thousands of lives,” Ms Cussens said.
“The United Nations (WHO) estimated in 1996 that 585,000 women died annually in childbirth.”
Ms Cussens said the funds raised from the pop-up shop would also be used to fund local initiatives including three $1000 bursaries for female students the University of the Sunshine Coast, two $250 bursaries for female aviation students of Noosa District High School, and breast cushions for mastectomy patients at Noosa Hospital.
Zonta Noosa will also provide care packs for the Salvation Army with toiletries such as soap, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, for women and children who seek refuge in crisis centres.
“(These women) sometimes leave home with only the clothes on their back,” Ms Cussens said.
“We have also set aside funds for a domestic violence initiative, which is yet to be decided.”
Zonta Noosa may be doing great work within the local and wider community, but Ms Cussens said none of it could be possible without the help of the Noosa community and their generosity.
