World Prematurity Day 2019

November 17 is World Prematurity Day and around the globe people will be marking the occasion by coming together to recognise the 15 million babies born to soon. We invite you all to attend our FREE Family Fun Day which will be held at Bardon Park, Maylands. Thanks to the generosity of the City of Bayswater we have a wonderful day of fun planned from 10am to 2pm, with special guests Elsa and Wonder Woman, face painting, food trucks, coffee van, kids games, bouncy castle, petting zoo, raffle and more.

Bring your family and friends as everyone is welcome. This is a day for the entire community to come together to connect and raise awareness. Whilst prematurity is the leading cause of Neonatal Unit admission it isn’t the only reason a newborn might be admitted. Many full term but sick babies are admitted too.

There is plenty of shade so bring a picnic rug and make yourself comfortable. Food can be purchased from the onsite food trucks or you are welcome to BYO picnic. Parking is a breeze with plenty of bays available. We can think of no better way to spend a Sunday and can’t wait to see you there!

Feel free to RSVP through our Facebook event page. You are also welcome to download our poster to share via your social media, or to print and put up in your work place or on a local notice board. We appreciate your support!

Father’s Day 2019

Today we celebrate Father’s Day and recognise all those Dad’s and Father Figures who…

• are currently watching their baby in the Neonatal Unit

• are anxiously waiting for their little one to arrive

• only have memories of their baby in their heart

• provide and care for their families

• get up early for their children’t sport

• receive phone calls from their ‘big babies’ who have grown up

Happy Father’s Day to all of you!

For our current Neonatal Unit Dad’s all over this great state of Western Australia, we have provided a small gift today. To let you know that we are thinking of you and whilst this day might not be playing out the way you had planned we hope this brings a little cheer during this extremely difficult time.

If you are a Dad or Father Figure looking for some extra support we would welcome you to join our Facebook Group specifically for Dad’s here https://www.facebook.com/groups/TSWAdadsupport

Family Fun Day - Perth 2019

Today and everyday around 94 babies are welcomed into the world in Western Australia.  84 of them will join their parents and families at home in the next few days, 2 of them were born before 32 weeks gestation and are in for the fight of their life, 6 of them were born between 32 weeks and 36 weeks, a further 2 will have been born full term but sick, a path their parents no doubt thought they would not be travelling.

We are proud to say that we are WA's premier charity for high-risk pregnancy and babies born sick or premature.  We are 100% volunteer run and our programs seek to create a deeper connection within the community, improving the health and wellbeing of others.  Programs include:

• Bedrest Care Packages

• Neonatal Unit Care Packages

• Developmental Playgroup

• Coffee Mornings

• Special Occasion Gifts

• Peer to Peer Support

• Advocacy + more

This past year we have been able to expand our programs to reach even more West Australian families facing the challenges of high-risk pregnancy, the Neonatal Unit and beyond. In not only Perth but also in regional WA. That’s all thanks to the overwhelming support we receive from people just like you.

We would like to invite you ALL to join us in raising awareness throughout November as part of 'Neonatal November'.  We seek to raise awareness and connection within the community for ALL babies admitted to neonatal units, regardless of cause.

Our key event for Neonatal November will be our Family Fun Day on World Prematurity Day at Bardon Park, Maylands on Sunday, November 17. Further details will be released soon.

More information on how you can get involved in ‘Neonatal November’ coming soon!

Country Music Bonanza at Holt Rock

Twice a year the incredible Westfield Country Music Club host the Holtrock Hoedown at the Strother’s family farm in Holt Rock. It’s a weekend filled with fun, friendship, delicious food and excellent country music from not just the live band but plenty of budding musicians too. Many attendees donate items for the live auction such as a magnificent quilt, local honey and fresh oysters!

Several Tiny Sparks families travelled to Holt Rock from Perth, Esperance and the Goldfields. They camped for the weekend and could not fault the hospitality or entertainment. The generosity shown by everyone was phenomenal and a staggering $6,000 was donated to Tiny Sparks from this weekend. Thank you all!

This donation will directly benefit more than 150 West Australian families through our Care Package program!

The next Holt Rock Hoedown is on Saturday the 12th of October. To find out more about this great event please follow them on Facebook at their page The Holt Rock Hoedown.

2019 Coffee Mornings, August and beyond

You've heard the saying 'it takes a village'.  Join us at our monthly coffee morning and let us be a part of that village.  Everyone is welcome!  Look for 'Hopper' (our mascot) and a sign on our table. We will be there from 10am. Details for the coming months are as follows:

• 19 August - Point Heathcote Reserve, 56 Duncraig Road, Applecross

• 16 September - The Sweet Remedy, 255A Oxford St, Leederville

• 7 October - Lawleys Bakery, 113 Flora Tce, North Beach

• 25 November - Cafe du Quarter, 633 Great Northern Highway, Herne Hill

Whilst there is no need to RSVP we will keep an eye out for you if you respond to the event pages on Facebook, we will also put a reminder up there a few days beforehand. Links above.