Drop your knickers for a good cause...

The Hamlin Fistula Relief & Aid Fund, supporting the work of the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital.

Fifty years ago, Dr Catherine Hamlin AC with her late husband Dr Reg Hamlin OBE arrived in Ethiopia to work at the Memorial Hospital in Addis Ababa to train obstetricians and midwives. In 1975 they opened the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital to treat women with the distressing condition of obstetric fistulae caused by obstructed and prolonged labour often in very young women. This condition creates a hole in the bladder or rectum called a ‘fistula’ and sufferers are permanently incontinent.

Many women are rejected by their husbands and families and feel a deep sense of shame and loss. When they arrive at the Hospital they are welcomed and given a safe haven where they are treated free of charge. To date more than 30,000 patients have been cured. Upon arrival the patients are given a blanket many of which are knitted by supporters here in Australia through the Wrapped with Love organisation. The women wear these constantly whilst at the Hospital and the knitted blanket has become a symbol of the patients and the Hospital. Cotton underwear is also much needed by the patients and is in short supply.

How Can I Help? There are three ways you can help this valuable charity at the fair: Donate a pair of new cotton knickers Sit and stitch knitted squares together to help complete blankets (no knitting skills needed!) Donate money to help cover the cost of freighting the blankets and knickers Volunteers from the Hamlin Fistula Relief & Aid Fund and Wrapped with Love will be on hand to take your donations and assist with the stitching together of the blankets.   Celebrate 50 years of women helping women!   Pictured: Dr Catherine Hamlin with some patients