Mary's Story

Stock image.

Mary* was just 25 when she had a six-year-old and a one-year-old, and was pregnant with her third. But instead of the joy of motherhood, Mary was trapped in a nightmare. She was in a relationship marked by abuse, where her ex-husband controlled every dollar. She had no access to a bank account, and was given only a tiny allowance every fortnight, money that had to stretch for groceries and nappies for her children. It wasn’t enough, and Mary found herself in a situation no parent should ever face.

“There were never enough nappies. I rationed my one-year-old’s nappies, sometimes using just one nappy a day, so the limited supply would last two weeks. My baby spent hours in wet and soiled nappies. I felt guilt and shame, knowing I was doing my best, but it still wasn’t enough.”

When Mary first received our donated nappies her world changed. The first delivery brought tears, not just of relief, but of exhaustion, shame and finally, hope. For so long, she had felt powerless, like she was failing her children. In that moment, she could finally breathe.

Eventually, Mary left her abusive relationship and was able to access parenting payments, giving her the ability to provide nappies on her own. But she never forgot the support she received when she was at her most desperate. Those nappies were more than a practical gift. They were a symbol of hope in the darkest time of her life.

*Names have been changed to protect individual’s privacy