The Mothers Milk Bank would like to offer our thanks to all our supporters in 2009. Internationally 2009 was recognised as the Centenary of Human Milk Banking and we celebrate re-joining those ranks. There have been many hurdles along the way but we are proud to announce that we are again providing human donor milk to babies in need, such as Diana Taylor’s triplets Oscar, Lawson and Avalon. Their journey has been celebrated in this article.
There have been two groups of people who were key to the Mothers Milk Bank re-opening in 2009. George Doniger, who with support of the Lions, the Gold Coast Jetstar Titans, IGA supermarkets and many others, cycled almost 2000km from Currumbin to Cairns and raised $30 000. There are some great photos available to view via our Facebook group events or media articles on this website . This money secured a two year tenancy on our new Community Mothers Milk Bank premises in Banora Point on the NSW/QLD border and we thank everyone who was able to play a part.
A second fundraiser for 2009 was held by the fabulous women of the Gold Coast Children’s Society. This event raised $40 000 with many thanks going to the the GCCS and all their generous sponsors, including Advice Solutions sponsored by the AMP Foundation. This money has been needed towards the payment for our human milk pasteuriser.
We have been so appreciative of the support of Dr Howard Chilton in organising our human milk pasteuriser and allowing the use over the last four years with minimum expense, but we need to reimburse the last remaining money outstanding on this vital equipment and have been given until Feb 2010 to do so.
2009 has also seen us secure the complete insurance coverage for providing human milk to human babies – a natural need, but one that is so uncommon in Australia that we have had to source our insurance internationally and pay accordingly. This is an ongoing expense that we need to fund but that should see in the future a lowering of the premiums for ourselves and other milk banks as human milk banking becomes more common.
We have been able to develop screening and pathology procedures that have reduced the processing cost of human donor milk from $30/ 100mL in 2007 to the current $5/ 100mL and are hoping that 2010 will see this reduced even further and allow the Mothers Milk Bank the financial stability and business model needed to expand.
During 2009 we have continued to hear government at federal and state levels support our intent but fail to provide the funding dollars needed to support the development of human milk banking in Australia. It is only through the generosity of supporters and volunteers like yourselves, giving gifts of money, human milk and/or time that enables us to provide this important community service to the most vulnerable in our community. The Mothers Milk Bank is a completely volunteer organisation and runs only on the generosity of our wonderful national community of support. It is saving lives and lowering the need (and expense) for ongoing medical care of the babies we are able to assist. We still envision developing a national network of Mothers Milk Banks and each success brings us closer to this aim.
Our first fundraiser for 2010 is already underway and we invite you all to participate. As previously mentioned, this will go toward the final payment of our human milk pasteuriser and guarantee the operation of the Mothers Milk Bank to supply human donor milk onward into the future. If you would like to participate, have your own ideas for fundraising or would like to make a tax deductable personal donation, please contact us.
Lisa Nielsen, mother of two, donor mum and long term volunteer, has made her 2010 new year’s resolution to donate her income for January to the Mothers Milk Bank! Lisa is an advisor for the Learning Ladder, selling educational books and games for children to adult We need your support to make the most of this offer – invite a few friends and have a Mothers Milk Bank book party at your home or workplace between now and the end of January. This can be anywhere across the country, online or in person. If you are local to the Mothers Milk Bank (Northern NSW to the Sunshine Coast QLD), Lisa can support your party with a display. If you live further away, she will assist you to run a catalogue or email party. Anyone who hosts a book party supporting the Mothers Milk Bank will receive free books as a thank you. This is a personal advisor offer from Lisa, so all party bookings and orders need to go directly to her to be registered toward the Mothers Milk Bank fundraiser: lisa@mothersmilkbank.com.au / 0439749408.
As 2009 comes to a close, please congratulate yourself on your part in supporting the Mothers Milk Bank and our achievements in providing this vital nourishment for our vulnerable babies. We send our best wishes to all the families around the country who have made contact and hope you will continue to support us in 2010 and spread the word about the importance of our service.