Compassionate Mercedes College students made Mother’s Day luxury gifts a reality for young mums at risk of homelessness living at MercyCare’s Coolock Units.
Thanks to donations from the College community, the six Year 11 students created hampers for the young mothers to ensure they would receive something special on Mother’s Day.
Inside the hampers was a range of items, including bath and body products, beauty products, gourmet chocolates, confectionery, pyjamas and slippers.
Hannah Skinner, 15, said the group had been inundated with donations.
“We were so happy because we received a lot more items than we were expecting,” she said. “The whole school came together to contribute to the hampers and showed such strong community spirit.”
MercyCare provides up to six months of medium-term accommodation and support services at the City of Stirling units, teaching young women aged between 18 and 25 important life skills, from cooking and cleaning to budgeting and parenting.
The program links young women with emotional and practical support, as well as offering help to find and maintain independent accommodation or housing.
MercyCare Youth Outreach Support Worker Christelle Venaille said the hampers had been well-received by the young mums and had given the students valuable insight into the issues faced by some groups of the community.
“It’s important to recognise that being a mum is a very difficult and important job,” Ms Venaille said.
“The mothers who come into the Coolock Units are young women who are often isolated and struggling with issues, including housing, family, finances, parenting and mental health. They are young and doing it on their own.
“The hampers are a nice way to show that they are linked into a great service, we are there to support them and that their job as a mother is a very important one.”
Erin Mincham, 15, said it had been heartwarming to know less fortunate mums would still receive a treat on Mother’s Day.
“It was a really enjoyable experience because we know that we’re helping mothers feel good on their special day,” she said.