During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Harriet met Joanie Fredricks through the Community Aided Network (CAN) teams which were set up during lockdown. Joanie, a community leader from Tafelsig Mitchells, was looking for new baby clothes for women in Mitchells Plain about to give birth – alone and with nothing. This both horrified and inspired Harriet.
Within days, the message was sent out to the Blossom&Bloom network across Cape Town and donations started streaming in. The response was extraordinary! From new baby essentials, clothes and equipment to birthing products and pregnancy clothing.
BloomMama was born; an initiative of mothers supporting other mothers in need, fuelled by the passion of the two founding partners, also mothers.
Since then, BloomMama has been registered as an NPO and a PBO. Most of their work is in Mitchells Plain and the Cape Flats, but they are also helping mothers in many other communities nearby. The plan is to expand across Cape Town and to eventually bring yoga and post partum support and services to communities and mothers with lower or zero incomes.
We are always needing donations: financial or second hand/gently loved things.