Exeter charities receive major £5,000 grant to support new parents

Two Exeter-area charities supporting new parents have received a combined £5,000 donation from The Cadbury Foundation, following a nomination by a local employee at Mondelēz International’s Crediton site. 

The grant is part of a wider £75,000 initiative supporting charities across the UK and Ireland.

The Baby Room Exeter, which provides affordable parental classes, peer support, and resources for families, received £3,000. 

Crediton Baby and Parent Support, a local social group for parents and young children, received £2,000.

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Jen Harris, Co-Director of The Baby Room, said the funds would make a tangible difference for families in the city: “We are so thrilled to receive these funds. We have bought some new breast pumps and improved safety and accessibility in our building so that everyone can access us.”

“To be able to see every family supported at The Baby Room is our mission, and we are one step closer thanks to this donation,” she said.

Jen added that the charity offers drop-in breastfeeding support Monday to Saturday, an extensive sling library, and advice to help families switch to cloth nappies. 

“These funds mean that we are a warm, safe space for new families, we can have the heating on, and make sure everyone who comes is cared for – as we would want someone to care for us,” she said.

The donation was made through the Cadbury Foundation’s Purple Heart Awards, which recognise Mondelēz International employees who go above and beyond in supporting their communities. 

Vicky Rawlins, from the company’s Ernest Jackson site in Crediton, nominated the charities, highlighting her own experience receiving support from both groups.

“Both Crediton BAPS and The Baby Room offer vital peer support to parents in the early days of parenthood and onwards,” Vicky said. 

“I feel very privileged to be able to offer this donation to help them continue the work they do.”

The Cadbury Foundation, celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, has donated £75,000 across the UK&I as part of the Purple Heart Awards initiative, helping local charities and projects nominated by employees.

Louise Stigant, Managing Director of Mondelēz UK & Ireland and Chair of Trustees for the foundation, said: “We are incredibly proud to invest in the local communities in which we operate.”

“Celebrating 90 years of making a difference, we look forward to creating lasting impact for incredible charities such as The Baby Room Exeter and Crediton Baby and Parent Support.”