‘It meant everything’: The volunteers quietly helping bereaved parents
Sydney Morning Herald
by Carolyn WebbFebruary 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The article highlights the profound impact of two volunteer groups in Australia—Treasured Babies and Croydon Men’s Shed—who create handcrafted items like clothes, rugs, and angel boxes for babies who have passed away. These items, often used during funerals or as cherished mementos, provide comfort to grieving families. The story of Maddison and Luke Waldron, whose son Teddy was stillborn while his twin Kai fought for survival, illustrates how these volunteers’ efforts brought solace during their darkest time. Their experience underscores the importance of such gestures in helping parents navigate their loss.
Treasured Babies volunteers hand-stitch, crochet, and knit tiny outfits, blankets, and rugs, while Croydon Men’s Shed creates intricately painted wooden angel boxes. These items are sent to families across Australia through referrals from hospitals, funeral homes, or Red Nose Australia. In the past year alone, over 2600 packs have been distributed, with many containing angel boxes. Parents often use these items for burials or as keepsakes, reflecting on their baby’s short life.
The volunteers’ dedication is a testament to the power of community support in moments of profound grief. Rachel Ficinus, Red Nose Australia’s bereavement services director, emphasizes that these gestures help alleviate some of the immediate burdens faced by families whose babies die or are stillborn. By providing appropriately sized clothing and thoughtful memorabilia, the volunteers offer comfort and dignity during a heartbreaking time.
This initiative, while not widely known, has had a significant impact on thousands of families. The article underscores how small acts of kindness can bring immense solace to
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/21/2026