World Breastfeeding Week News
Colleen White, New Jersey, USA
From: LEAVEN, Vol. 45 No. 2-3, 2009, p. 58
Congratulations to the following Groups in New Jersey that held World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) Celebrations between May 1 and September 30, 2008.
Crosswicks -- Held a Family Potluck and Clown Show and Tricky Tray, and offered a door prize (past Area Conference mug) to each mother who attended
Glassboro -- Had a Family Picnic in a local park with playgrounds, a clown/magician and silent auction, donations of food and silent auction items, and family "goodie" bags
Linwood -- Had a Backyard Picnic and Swim at a Leader's house with a yard sale and lemonade stand out front
Highland Park -- Had a picnic in a local park with a bake sale
Lawrenceville, Mercerville, Princeton, Princeton North and Crosswicks -- Organized an information booth at a local environmental fair with books and slings available for sale, meeting schedules and tear-off sheets, a basket raffle with donated items, and a nursing chair and changing station at the booth
Together, these Groups raised a total of $3,106! All Groups were able to retain 50% of the money they raised for their own Group treasury. Besides the funds these Groups raised to benefit breastfeeding projects here in New Jersey and beyond, these Groups raised awareness of breastfeeding. As you can see by the list of celebrations, the key ingredients are some donated items, some food, and a great location. Some entertainment for the children is a good idea also! The benefits of having a WBW Celebration event include:
- It's a great way to be part of the greater community in which your Group meets.
- It's a great way for fathers to be part of LLL.
- It's a great way to promote what LLL does best -- helping mothers to breastfeed.
- It's a great way to bring back "retired" nursing mothers to socialize with the Group.
- It's a great way to work with other LLL Groups in your Area.
Be sure and visit the La Leche League in the USA WBW Celebration Web site for other ideas: www.lllusa.org/wbw. This link has great ideas for activities, registering your WBWC event, forms for organizing your event, merchandise for sale, and more. Each year you can list your event on this Web site for free to help to promote your celebration. It's not too early to start thinking about your event for this summer. When planning your 2010 WBWC, look for ideas, registration, and suggestions at www.lllusa.org/wbw or contact your Area's World Breastfeeding Week Celebration Coordinator.
