This Sunday, thousands of dads will be spending Father's Day cot-side in Neonatal Intensive Care Units and Special Care Nurseries across Australia, caring for their premature or sick baby. To help celebrate this special milestone, Victorian-based charity, Life's Little Treasures Foundation, are giving special gift packs to these fathers, as a reminder they are not alone.
As Australia's foremost charity dedicated to providing support and education to families of premature and sick babies, Life's Little Treasures Foundation recognises this day can be bittersweet for many fathers.
Foundation CEO, Felicia Welstead, says that it can be hard for those dads who cannot celebrate at home with their baby, but rather face a more subdued celebration.
"For some fathers, they are forced to mark this day while battling feelings of isolation and helplessness at the uncertainty that comes with having a baby in hospital," Ms Welstead says.
"We do not want any dad to be forgotten or to feel as though they are alone on this journey. Which is why, this year, we have sent over 2,500 Father's Day gift packs to dads in neonatal units throughout Australia, as our way to bring some joy to those who may be struggling."
Jamin Piggo is one father who will be celebrating his first Father's Day at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital. Mr Piggo says he is very appreciative of the thoughtful gift, adding that it will be an especially poignant day, as it is his first Father's Day as a dad, and his first since he lost his own father earlier this year.
"I haven't even got my head around being a father yet, so it is quite special to receive this gift pack," Mr Piggo said.
"It is very generous and overwhelming all at once. It's something special that I will always remember."
Ms Welstead says she is grateful for the support of hospital staff in delivering this important initiative.
"Life's Little Treasures Foundation is committed to continuing to work closely with hospitals to ensure these vulnerable families have the support and help they need to continue celebrating these precious milestones."
