Any parent will tell you, as you rush through your child's early formative years you accumulate an unholy amount of, well, stuff. Toys, babygrows, books, bouncers, high chairs, bottles, sterilisers, prams - the list goes on. And as soon as they've become accustomed to something, they've outgrown it.
This never ending cycle often leaves mothers with a treasure chest of unwanted childcare equipment and accessories. If you're one of these mothers, you need to know about this amazing initiative recently set up to help you pass these items on to mothers who need them most.
Let's Match Mums was set up this year to connect mothers in Direct Provision with other mums in their locality who may have the baby items they require, or the means to simply purchase them for the mother in Direct Provision with whom they're matched.
One participating local mother recently spoke on the radio about her experience with the initiative and why she was inspired to get involved.
"It really made me aware of how lucky I am in my life. I've always had gratitude in my life but I got a hell of a lot more gratitude for a home, health and an income," she explained. "And I also thought about what would it be like if I had to leave my home with my kids in the hope there would be a better life for us in another country, and that's really scary.
"They matched me to a mum who has a son a year younger than my boy. I didn't ask her too many questions, just how she was and how old her kids were. I feel her own story is her own business. I just asked her what sort of things I could send that would make a difference and her answer was 'Whatever you can.'
Of course, nobody knows what a mother needs quite like another mother, especially one with children of a similar age.
"I just went and bought her son some tracksuits, t-shirts, and hoodies. I know she has three daughters as well so I bought a few bits and pieces for them and some products for the mother herself.
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"We are beyond privileged in the country and they have so little in comparison that, in this day and age, from a human to human perspective it didn't make sense to me and I just want to make that small bit of difference in somebody's life."
She also explained to listeners that they don't need to be concerned about their ability to commit long-term - mothers can get involved in whatever capacity they are able.
"I don't see it as an ongoing permanent thing with this lady. I believe I'm helping this lady and her family when they need a little dig out and I'm hoping and praying they'll move on to [something] better and then there'll be someone else I can help. I don't see it as an ongoing lifetime commitment to one person, I see it as giving someone a hand when they need it."
To learn more about how to get involved with Let's Match Mums, visit the project's official website here.Featured Image Credit: InstagramTopics: Ireland