We are proud to announce our charity partner for HR Innovation & Tech Fest 2019. BabyStart is a local New Zealand charity founded by husband and wife duo Phillip and Clare Horrobin. Based on an innovative concept first introduced in Finland in 1938, BabyStart gives expectant parents a cardboard box full of useful items to make their early months easier and more comfortable.

In addition to holding clothes, baby care products, toys and books, the box also includes a mattress, sheets and blanket which allows it to be used as a safe sleeping space both at home and when out and about. The box also acts as a fundraiser – for every BabyStart box purchased, another is given free to a baby in need.

BabyStart has improved the lives of over 600 disadvantaged New Zealand babies to date. Here are just some of the comments from families who have received a box:

“By getting gifted this stuff there was more money for food for other childrenâ€'

“I hadn't thought of reading to my baby but after seeing the book in the box I'm going to go and look for more booksâ€'

“Sleeping baby in the box takes a lot off my mindâ€'