Old newspapers are great for lining bird cages, training new puppies, packing items for shipment, and even composting but we at the Tribune/Advisor certainly wouldn’t want to see newspapers used as baby blankets.
Unfortunately, in many developing countries, that is exactly what is happening with newspapers.
People in developing countries are resorting to wrapping babies in newspapers to keep them warm, says Marie Vautour, who learned of the situation in some developing countries from missionaries.
A member of the Evangelical Free Church on 11th Avenue, she says the congregation is hoping to change the lives of some poor babies in the world by mounting a community campaign over the next few months to collect new receiving blankets, sleepers, flannelette diapers and clothing for babies ages zero to two-years old.
The congregation is asking crafters in the community to help by quilting, sewing, knitting or crocheting these items for the campaign.
Or people can purchase new items for expectant and new moms and newborns.
Vautour, who works as a recreational aid at the Seniors Village, says she was involved in a similar project when she was living in Kelowna, in which 30 boxes of baby clothes and blankets were sent to families in need.
While they don’t know yet where the items collected here will be sent she expects it will be to somewhere in South America.
“I am hoping to get the whole community involved in some small way,” says Vautour.
A baby crib has been set up at the church located at 1100 Eleventh Ave. where the items can be dropped off.
She says the items collected will be distributed by Canada Food for the Children.
All of the items collected during the next month or so will be on display during a Third World Baby Shower and Tea to be held at the church on Saturday, April 2 from 2 to 4 p.m.
For more information about the project contact Marie Vautour at 778-412-9257 or the church office at 250-392-2843.