A Letter From Our Patron, Mel Habanananda
BAMBI's founder, Mel Habanananda[/caption]Dear members,
Forty years ago I was holding birth preparation classes and it became obvious that support was needed for new mothers. So from a group of seven, BAMBI was ‘born’. Within a few months, seven grew to 40, and holding meetings in each others’ homes became—to put it mildly—chaotic! So after a long search for somewhere that would agree to accommodate what was by then 60 new mothers and their noisy babies, the British Club took us in.
We gradually became more organized, forming a committee, setting up playgroups, new mothers' support meetings, breastfeeding advice groups, and writing our constitution. Today we have over 1,000 members.
Throughout the years BAMBI has grown and thrived beyond all my dreams and expectations. It is only through the amazing support, enthusiasm, and dedication of the many women who have devoted their time and skills to BAMBI that this has been possible.
The last two years have brought about more changes than we could have ever imagined, and continuing BAMBI’s activities and support for you all was a major challenge for our former chairwoman Gloria, vice chair Terryn, and the committee. Like many other organizations, we had to adapt so that it was possible to continue to provide you all with as many activities and support as possible. With the re-opening in March however, I am optimistic that things are returning to ‘normal’. We still need more volunteers, however, and so I very much hope that some of you will consider becoming a part of the BAMBI team. From my own experience it’s fun, a great way to meet new people, make friends and support our BAMBI family.
I cannot end this birthday message without giving my heartfelt thanks to all the committee members and volunteers who have helped in so many ways to sustain BAMBI over the years. There are too many names to include them all, but special mention goes to our honorary members Paula Young, Kathy Leslie, Ravit El-Bachar Daniel, and the founder of Bumps, Anna Ingham, and to our volunteers Emma McNerlin, Simmi Rajkitkul, Jex Roach, Gloria Pino, and Terryn Schlenther, who have made significant contributions to BAMBI in more recent years. Thank you, to all of you!
Well, dare I say it? Here’s to the next 40 years!
With love and best wishes to everyone.
Mel
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BAMBI Committee, 2022[/caption]The views expressed in the articles in this magazine are not necessarily those of BAMBI committee members and we assume no responsibility for them or their effects. BAMBI Magazine welcomes volunteer contributors to our magazine. Please contact editor@bambiweb.org.