Bantry group sends care packages to African mums

MATERNAL care packages will be making their way to Africa thanks to the generosity of the people of Bantry.

In August, an event called Mama Africa was held at Ma Murphy’s pub in Bantry to raise funds for the Toto Care Box charity, which is based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Fiona Moejes told The Southern Star: ‘It is still a young charity. We have only been up and running for about two years, but this year we have been busy.’

The money raised will be used to provide maternal care packages to impoverished women in slums in Kenya.

Fiona explained that they are working to address the high maternal and infant mortality rates by supplying necessary maternal care box to new mothers. 

The box contains a mattress that acts as a crib for the new-born. It also includes items such as a mosquito net, surgical spirit, nappies and anti-dehydration kits. 

In order to receive a free Toto Care Box, the expectant mother must attend at least four antenatal classes, which helps to incentivise antenatal checks.

Each box costs about 3,000ksh, which is about €25, and to date the organisation is supplying around 30 boxes a month at the moment. 

In preparation for the Mama Africa event a group of people cooked for two days straight to give the people of West Cork ‘a little taste of Africa.’ 

Fiona said: ‘We also had some African jewellery, clothing and household items for sale, and held a raffle for prizes that were kindly donated by the people of Bantry.’