Find out more about the mums-helping-mums movement in Singapore that gives us the warm and fuzzies.
The Covid-19 pandemic has taken a huge toll. People have lost their jobs. Businesses have had to adapt their way of working and embrace an online approach. Parents the world over have had to get to grips with homeschooling. And many mums here in Singapore have faced tremendous stress balancing their household, finances, children, careers, home-based learning and other family needs, all at the same time.
Step forward SG Mummies United
Here at HoneyKids, we love stories of community spirit and people supporting each other. So when we heard about SG Mummies United, we had to share the word. This Facebook group was set up for mums, by mums. Created at the start of the circuit breaker, its aim is to provide immediate stop-gap assistance for those facing tough times.
“Covid-19 has really hit all of us hard,” says Dolores Au, 45, who set up SG Mummies United along with her friend Gidania Wong, 35. “The pandemic has affected many mothers’ and their families’ livelihoods. For some mothers, acquiring basic necessities is a real problem, especially the more vulnerable ones who might be waiting for government or charity funding. They still have children to feed and clothe, hence the idea for a stop-gap measure during this period.”
It’s a fabulous idea in our books, and totally gives us the warm and fuzzies to think of mums helping mums. Go, sisterhood! And the group is gaining in popularity, too: since its inception, nearly 2000 members are requesting or providing items to help one another. Think: formula, diapers, milk bottles, groceries, clothing and educational items.
How does it work?
Operating as a ‘blessings group’, SG Mummies United connects mums-in-need with people who can offer what extra they have going. “Mums who fall through the gaps, have lost their jobs or are struggling to make ends meet can make requests,” explains Dolores. “Other mothers in the group can then help grant those requests. It is purely a donation-only model.”
To further amp the awesome factor, delivery is also subsidised. “Some kind donors are contributing up to $4 per trip for the time being and our generous friends have quickly chipped in to help with our delivery fund,” says Dolores. “We are also negotiating with a courier company for special rates for bulkier items.”
To date, there have been some gorgeous tales of community spirit surfacing from the initiative. “One mum-in-need is a Grab driver to make ends meet for her family of three kids,” reflects Dolores. “After receiving some donated items from kind mums, she volunteered to transport some deliveries for other mums, on her own time, for free. Another mum offered to donate a few tins of formula to others, despite her difficulties obtaining fresh food after being laid off.
“These women obviously need the help, yet are also reaching out to help others. Examples like these warm the heart as we’re seeing mums helping one another, regardless of our background and situation. This community spirit is exactly what the world needs right now in the face of this life-altering pandemic.”
Post-pandemic plans
The good news movement aims to continue once the circuit breaker ends too, Dolores confirms. “We started SG Mummies United as a response to the pandemic,” she says. “However, we believe there’ll be mums who’ll still need urgent provisions, support and help, even when times are better. Likewise, there will always be mums who have items to donate and offer. As long as we continue to make a positive difference, we will continue running this group.”
Keen to get involved?
Join the group now on Facebook.