A Moray mother has been overwhelmed by the generosity of others after embarking on a mission to support new parents who are struggling financially.
Susan Sutherland, who lives near Elgin, resorted to charity shops and donations from friends and family when trying to feed and clothe her son about 30 years ago.
And the campaigner was reminded of the hardship when speaking to a friend shortly before Christmas who had learned of a separate family’s plight.
Since then, Mrs Sutherland, her husband Ian and friend Karen McSheffrey, have been gathering items for families across the region.
She said: “It was hard for us. I was speaking to somebody recently who said they had heard of a teenager who had fallen pregnant.
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“She didn’t have much money, neither did her parents so it fell to the grandparents who were left really struggling as a result.
“When it was us, I just wished there was something that could help us – so I thought I would start something up for the people of today.”
Mrs Sutherland hopes to establish the Moray Baby Bank as a charity that operates in a similar way to a food bank by handing out donations to families who have been referred to them by professional organisations.
The campaigner began collecting toys, clothes, prams and other items in a spare room in her home.
However, the collection has now swelled to fill a second room in the home as well as the garage after Mrs Sutherland’s efforts travelling across the region to gather donations.
Now the couple admit they are struggling to cope with the outpouring of generosity from families.
Mrs Sutherland said: “We’re still just in the beginning of gathering items together but it’s still a huge amount of work to wash all the clothes and toys.
“The price of all the items you need can really mount up. Some people want the best of this and the best of that but some people can’t afford it.
“It’s really important to give children the best start in life.”
Anyone who wants to support the Moray Baby Bank by volunteering to wash items should contact Mrs Sutherland by calling 07935 223480.
