Posted Monday 7 January 2008
People in Britain spend a staggering £2.4 billion on flowers and plant gifts for Mothering Sunday, which this year falls on March 2.
Working in 78 countries around the world to support mothers and grandmothers caring for young families, Mothers’ Union members see first-hand the inequality of a world in which so many mothers struggle to feed, clothe and educate their families. Against that suddenly, lovely though they are, floral tributes lose some of their glamour.
Determined to do their bit to redress the balance, Mothers’ Union raised over £120,000 when they launched their Make a mother’s day campaign in 2007. Through their catalogue eight gifts are available which allow purchasers to contribute towards vital programmes which benefit a mum caring for her family in tough circumstances - surely a tribute for any mother to treasure.
The 2008 catalogue is now available with gifts ranging in price from £6 to £150.
Items this year include ethical gifts to help families improve their standard of living, including tree saplings, goats or hens, literacy and health training, and business skills training. Other gifts include training for marriage support group facilitators, equipment for children’s play centres for families facing separation or isolation and emergency relief kits for people around the world affected by natural disaster or conflict.
The catalogue has an order form and this year Mothers’ Union can also receive orders via phone, or via their online website ordering service on www.themothersunion.org. On receiving your order Mothers’ Union will send you a card giving details of your chosen gift and an envelope, ready for you to personalise and send. Alternatively you can purchase a gift in memory of a mum as a wonderful homage to a lifetime of caring, for which this year Make a mother’s day has a dedicated in memory card.
In addition, this year Make a mother’s day is resourcing churches, schools, groups and Sunday schools by providing a Mothering Sunday church resource pack. The pack will include specially written prayers and liturgy for Mothering Sunday services, as well as reflections and resource materials for speakers. With stories of Christians around the world living out their faith by serving their own communities, the pack aims to celebrate family and the nurturing love of God, seen in the practical, hands-on faith of Mothers’ Union members, programmes and beneficiaries worldwide. Children’s materials around biblical themes of mothering and nurturing will also be available. Stickers, ribbon for flower posies, and other goodies will help you make Mothering Sunday really special!
To order copies of the catalogue contact your local Mothers’ Union representative, or the main office of Mothers’ Union on telephone 020 7222 5533, email marketing@themothersunion.org or via their website on www.themothersunion.org. Orders must reach Mothers’ Union by 18 February to ensure delivery before 2 March.
Category: Mother's Union
