The Darling Muffs of May have launched a women’s health initiative with a bit of fun thrown in. The idea is that during the month of May each year participants make a pledge to raise money for that years health focus by either joining in the Muff (who wants to be Muff the Magic Dragon!) and art exhibition at the end of May or coming up with an alternative pledge (making muffins, doing something with ear/oven muffs, etc.) that friends and family can sponsor them for and raise money for the nominated charities.
‘Women’s health and wellbeing is something we are all passionate about,’ said one of the founding muffketeers Mel Saunders.
Raising money
‘This year, from the aftermath of the floods and Covid, we wanted to direct our attention to the many women suffering from homelessness.’
The Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre (MDNC) has auspiced the project and will be one of the six recipients for the money raised by the Darling Muffs of May project.
The other groups receiving money are Fred’s Place in Murwillumbah, Fletcher Street Cottage in Byron, Women Up North based out of Lismore and a domestic violence service based in Ballina. CASP (Country Arts Support Program) have provided funding support for both the final Muff exhibition and a merkin making workshop in early 2024.
Ambyr Johnston, Manager of the Women’s Resource Service for the MDNC told The Echo that in their experience ‘the leading cause of homelessness and/or the risk of homelessness in women accessing our service is domestic and family violence (DFV).’
The Women’s Resource Service (WRS) is a specialist DFV service.
36-45 years most impacted
‘In the last financial year approximately 30 per cent of our clients have experienced an immediate risk of homelessness or have become homeless,’ explained Ambyr.
‘Overall, 34 per cent of WRS clients in the last year have been between the ages of 36-45 years. An additional 24 per cent have been between the ages of 26-35 years. In the last year, the largest cohort of women we have worked with who have been at immediate risk of homelessness or are homeless have been in the 36-45 age bracket,’ explained Ambyr.
To find out how to get involved in the Darling Muffs of May project check out their website at: www.darlingmuffs.com.au, find them on Insta: @darlingmuffsofmay, or find them on Facebook.
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