Imagine Life Without Your Mum this Mother’s Day

8 May, 2002
CCF NZ

Three year old Finn Laidlaw wants New Zealand children to imagine life without their Mums this Mother’s Day.

Finn has been learning about the thousands of children in Africa who don’t have Mums to look after them, from his Dad, Adam Laidlaw, Chief Executive of CCF NZ.

“Tragically thousands of children are left to fend for themselves as the AIDS virus wipes out the parental generation in Africa,” says Adam Laidlaw.

“This Mother’s Day, Finn and I want Kiwi kids to think about the hundreds of things that their Mums do for them on a daily basis, and then imagine having to do all of those things for themselves. Things like earning money, going to the supermarket, picking up younger children from school, making themselves feel better when they’re sick and cooking nutritious meals.”

Although very young, Finn is very aware of the importance of his own Mum.

“She gives me special treats when I’ve been a good boy, and gives me medicine when I am sick,” says Finn.

Nabido, a 16 year old young African woman, has learnt the hard way what life is like without her Mum. Since losing both of her parents to HIV/AIDs three years ago, Nabido has had sole responsibility of looking after herself and her three younger siblings.

Luckily, Nabido is now sponsored through CCF’s child sponsorship programme. Through the contributions of one generous sponsor, CCF has helped Nabido establish a small business making and selling pancakes each morning. Although the income from her business only amounts to NZ$1 a day, it helps pay the rent and feed the family.

“For thousands of children in Africa, a Kiwi sponsor is the only ‘mother’ they’ve got. Having a sponsor is like having a guardian to look after them again,” says Adam Laidlaw.

“CCF NZ can’t bring back their mothers, but they can provide the next best thing - support, comfort and love.”

CCF NZ is currently searching for 500 Kiwis to become sponsors in the township of Emali in Kenya, where many children live without their Mums. Caring Kiwis can become part of this special project by calling 0800 808 822 or visiting www.ccf.org.nz.

ENDS

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