Two Mandurah mums have teamed up to break down the stigma surrounding infant loss, miscarriage and stillbirth, conditions which affects one in every four pregnancies.
Babes + Picnics Mandurah founder Melanie Edge and resident Siobhan Barwick are hoping to raise awareness about the conditions through a special gala event in town on October 27.
The event is part of a series of nation-wide fundraising efforts by the different Babes + Picnics groups, which have raised almost $7000 towards the cause.
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The Mandurah mums are collaborating with popular local eatery Mataya to hold the ticketed event, which will raise funds for Sands Australia and Charlee’s Basket Bereavement Hampers.
Ms Edge said the gala was a great opportunity to talk about the conditions, which weren’t often openly discussed, and break down the stigma attached to losing a child during pregnancy or in their early days.
“People don’t even need to be a mum to come to the event, they can just come to support the cause,” she said.
Mataya’s Natalie Cameron said the eatery was trying to tap into event planning to bring functions, such as the Babes + Picnics ball, to the Sholl Street venue after hours.
She said they were excited to collaborate with the cause, which had attracted attendees from as far as Joondalup.
The event will include a glass of champagne on arrival for attendees, a grazing table with cured meats, cheeses, nuts and dips, champagne jelly and desserts.
Attendees to the event will also be able to enjoy the food and live entertainment and participate in raffles.
Tickets to the gala are $50. People can purchase tickets to the event by sending an email to lionfoxandco@iinet.net.au.
Alternatively, tickets will also be purchased at the door.
The event will take off at 6pm at Mataya, located on 6/20-24 Sholl Street, Mandurah.
For more information about the pregnancy and infant loss awareness gala go to the Facebook event.