VOLUNTEERS from Angel Gowns Australia, a charity that supports families who have lost a baby, travelled to the Riverland recently to raise awareness for their cause.
The organisation, which repurposes wedding dresses into ‘Angel Gowns’ and tutus that are then presented to impacted families, set up a temporary stall in the Riverland Central Plaza in Berri recently to raise funds and spread its message.
Angel Gowns Australia SA state co-ordinator Glenda Wait said the group had received “strong support” from the Riverland community.
“The Waikerie, Loxton and Berri hospitals all have our gowns in stock to give to families,” she said.
“Australia-wide we lose one baby every four hours and in South Australia we lose about one per day on average.
“A lot of people who have lost a baby are touched by what we do.”
Volunteer seamstress Kathy Read said stalls like the one held in Berri helped to make people aware of the young organisation, which has only been in operation for six years.
“At a stall like this, people are able to see what you accomplish and can see that it is worthwhile to support Angel Gowns,” she said.
Ms Read said it was “rewarding” to create the gowns and tutus for the families.
“It’s very rewarding to be able to help someone during a terrible time in their life,” she said.
Ms Wait agreed and said it was important to be there for parents in their time of need.
“It’s very comforting for the families to know that somebody cares when they lose their baby,” she said.
“We have plenty of people stop by and say they’ve lost a baby and how terrible it was and there was nothing like Angel Gowns available for them at the time.”
The charity currently has no seamstresses in the Riverland, but is looking for more volunteers to help make gowns and tutus.
To get involved with Angel Gowns Australia, contact Glenda Wait on 0456 462 251.
For more information, visit www.angelgownsaustralia.org.au.