In 2019, Cathy Gibb, a Maternal Child Health Nurse, approached Down Syndrome Victoria with an idea and The Perfect Gift Australia and DSV developed a special partnership.
This collaboration aims to ensure that every family welcoming a child with Down syndrome receives a beautifully curated gift box, symbolising a warm welcome and heartfelt congratulations. Cathy and other volunteers put these gift boxes together and we reached out with some questions about the initiative and the wonderful volunteers behind it.
DSV: Can you tell us how The Perfect Gift came about?
Cathy: The Perfect Gift arose after following a charity in Ireland created by Sinead Fidgeon after having her baby Grace. Sinead received little congratulations on the birth of Grace. So, Sinead endeavoured to give a gift of congratulations to all families in Ireland on the birth of their baby born with Down syndrome.
I was following her on Facebook when a friend suggested to me that I do that here in Australia. I contacted Sinead for her permission to follow her idea then contacted Down Syndrome Victoria to see if they would be interested and we started making gift bundles.
We follow a different concept from Ireland in that we like as many homemade goods as possible to welcome the baby and make it personal and homely. I loved the idea of what Sinead was doing in Ireland, however, I did not believe that so many people would support me!
DSV: Can you describe what you and the other volunteers do for The Perfect Gift?
Cathy: I coordinate The Perfect Gift with Jan Bynes. We have a few charity days and sewing days at the retirement village where we live and a lot of women in the retirement village support us. We make the boxes up ahead of our demand so that we always have some available.
In the early days I wrote to Macca on the ABC and we had several people in the community in both New South Wales and Victoria that donated knitting, quilts, crocheted toys and other baby items.
DSV: What is usually included in a gift box?
Cathy: Each box is individual but has a minimum of one quilt, one knitted or crocheted blanket, one cardigan, one vest, one embroidered towel, at least two books, a gift for the mother, a toy for the baby, a change mat, burp cloth, bibs, tactile toy including a flat teddy, a carry bag and at least two other items.
DSV: What is your motivation?
Cathy: Previously, I have done respite for families with children with special needs. I have been very blessed to have two beautiful girls in my care in that time that have been a big part of my life. Both girls had Down syndrome.
DSV: Can you tell us a little about yourself and the other volunteers involved?
Cathy: Jan Byrnes became very involved in and supportive of The Perfect Gift after Covid. Jan is a grandmother with 11 grandchildren and she loves sewing, baking, and her community and family.
I am a Maternal and Child Health Nurse who loves getting to know and support many families and their children. I am blessed with sharing some of their lives. I have 6 godchildren whom I have enjoyed sharing in their childhood and watching them grow into wonderful adults and now some have children of their own.
I too also like craft, singing and walking the dog. Currently I am learning to play the ukulele!
We have many volunteers, the eldest being 89 years of age. Our volunteers are as far away as Nabiac in New South Wales, and the Central Coast, Goulburn and Canberra. Hume Retirement Village in Albury has many residents who volunteer and come to our working bees or charity days. Other residents and their friends knit and sew throughout the year in their own homes.
We are so grateful for all the gifts that we receive. Many volunteers have heard through word-of-mouth or knowing a child and their family with Down syndrome. Their generosity has been amazing.
DSV: What does it mean to you that new families get to receive one of your gift packs?
Cathy: I think the families really enjoy the boxes and we have had some wonderful feedback.
Some stories of connection have been through friends of friends, local families, people writing to Down Syndrome Victoria. Perhaps the most special was the video made for us by the families and DSV to celebrate our hundredth box. We have shown this video on many occasions and each time we watch it, we are blown away by the thanks and gratitude of families. The video touches many people’s hearts.
I am so grateful that we have been able to come this far. The generosity of people has been amazing. I continue to be blown away by the gifts and goodwill that people give to The Perfect Gift.
Jan and I have really enjoyed what we have achieved and get so touched by any feedback that we receive. Thank you.
DSV: You will be joining us at StepUP! this October. What are you looking forward to?
Cathy: Yes, both Jan and I will be coming down to StepUP! in October. I love the activity days and getting to see and know a few people.
If you would like to come and say hi to Cathy and Jan from The Perfect Gift, they would love to meet you at StepUP! on Sunday 19 October, and so would we. You can find out about the event and register at the StepUP! website.
If you would like to find out more about The Perfect Gift or watch the thank you video that Cathy mentioned, click the button below.