A Richmond company is ensuring some needy babies have a safer place to sleep.
Stork Craft will donate cribs to three agencies that cater to low-income families who can't otherwise afford one.
The Ministry of Children and Family Development connected Stork Craft with the Association of Neighbourhood Houses B.C., the B.C. Society of Transition Houses and Westcoast Family Centres. The number of cribs to be donated will be based on the need identified by each group.
Each group supports vulnerable families, women and children escaping violence in the home, as well as immigrant and refugee families making a new life in B.C.
"Our cribs are designed to provide a safe sleep environment for infants," said Stork Craft president and CEO Jim Moore, in a news release.
"Often families in need do not have the resources to purchase a crib. Consequently, they resort to alternate sleeping arrangements that are dangerous.
"We have not put a limit on the number of cribs that we will donate and plan to continue to work with the ministry to expand the program to other communities in the province."
The donation was well received by the groups involved.
"Women and children living with the effects of domestic violence often re-purchase basic necessities after fleeing their home," said Anne Kutcher, executive director, Westcoast Family Centres. "This donation will help ensure that infants have one of their basic needs met."
Laurie Parsons, director of women services, B.C. Society of Transition Houses, said that "through this donation, we will be able to support families who have limited income and are unable to provide a safe sleeping place for their babies."
? Information on safe sleep practices for infants can be found at www.bestchance. gov.bc.ca/you-and-your-baby-0-6/caringfor-your-baby/baby-care/sleeping.html.
