My friend Nicole was telling me about the beautiful Butterfly program that provides newly bereaved parents with a memory bag while they are still in hospital. The handmade bag, sewn by volunteers, includes information about support from Sands, an Inkless Print Kit for hand and foot prints, Certificate of Life, Precious Memories of Baby book and pen, keepsake blanket and wash cloth. Each bag is donated in loving memory of a baby.

Newly bereaved parents can feel terribly alone and the memory bag is a message of love and support from others who have had been there. The bag often becomes a treasured keepsake for parents from the very short time they had with their baby.

There are three simple ways you can get involved and help:

1. Sponsor a Butterfly pack here

2. Donate items for a Butterfly pack here

3. Make a Butterfly Bag here

Sands Queensland provides support, information, education and advocacy for parents and families who experience the death of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, newborn death or other pregnancy losses.

Sands relies heavily on community kindness, support and donations. Learn more about their work on their website or facebook.