With the support of a generous donation from Somerset Storyfest, Toowoomba Hospital Foundation is embarking on a project to gift 4000 Baby Book Bags to new parents of babies born at public maternity wards across the Darling Downs. Along with a Library Bag and a ‘Baby’s First’ educational book, the Baby Book Bags also include a locally handmade cot quilt.

Toowoomba Hospital Foundation CEO Alison Kennedy said this welcome to the world gift was inspired by a long-term donor of the Foundation, the Herbert Family, wanting to make a difference in the lives of new bubs. “With this new project, we’re able to not only gift a beautiful take home gift to new parents but give those who may not have the means, the opportunity to start the reading journey with their new bundle of joy. In 2020, there was nearly 3000 babies born in Darling Downs Health maternity wards across the region, so to be able to make this initiative a permanent gift to new parents would be wonderful.”

Somerset Storyfest CEO / Festival Director Andrea Lewis said through the Herbert Family they are proud to be able to provide books for such a brilliant initiative. “I’m a firm believer that if you encourage and nurture a child to read from a very early age they go onto be lifelong learners,” she said. “At Storyfest, we are passionate about promoting the importance of early literacy to new parents, and through the great work of Toowoomba Hospital Foundation we’re proud to be a part of this initiative.”

Toowoomba Hospital Foundation are also calling on local quilters and groups to support the Baby Book Bag initiative through the donation of cot quilts, with over 70 quilts already handmade by Millmerran Quilters Association. Judy Rosenthal from Millmerran Quilters Group said it’s wonderful to be part of an initiative that supports local parents.

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