Harriet washes her son in a basin full of water now that she has easy access to clean water at home in, Uganda, May 2024. WaterAid/ James Kiyimba

This Mother's Day, while many mums will wake up with a cup of tea delivered to them in bed or a relaxing bubble bath, millions of mums around the world will face a different reality.

For them, the day begins not with joy, but with the heavy burden of securing something most of us take for granted — clean water for their families.

In countless communities, the simple act of turning on a tap is not an option and mothers bear the weight of making sure their family survive without it.

In fact, globally, women and girls spend 200 million hours every day collecting water.

In Papua New Guinea,pregnant mother Jennifer is preparing to welcome her second child. But unlike many expectant mums, her journey to motherhood is filled with obstacles most of us can’t imagine.

The local health centre, which serves more than 8,500 people, is crumbling. The building is riddled with termites, the delivery room lacks sanitation and the water tanks are rusted and contaminated. With no running water and broken toilets, Jennifer is forced to use the bushes or walk to the river — even while in labour.

The risks are serious. Without clean water, infection is common. Mothers must bring their own water to take medication. Staff clean instruments with bleach when no steriliser is available. In the wet season, overflowing pit toilets pose serious health hazards.

&nbsp;“If the clinic had clean water and proper equipment, I would feel safe to give birth here,” Jennifer says. “But it doesn’t.”

Jennifer Kenea, 23, and her son Michael wait outside Kuriva sub-healthcare centre, Central Province, Papua New Guinea. WaterAid/Tariq Hawari

In Uganda,&nbsp;mums like Harriet go to extraordinary lengths every day to protect and provide for their children.

Harriet’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact water can have on a mother’s ability to care for her family. For years, Harriet and her children relied on unsafe, contaminated water sources shared with animals. The consequences were severe: stomach aches, skin rashes and frequent illnesses became part of daily life.

Before gaining access to clean water, Harriet said:

“I really feel envious when I see that the other villages have water, and we don't. I feel like the world belongs to them and we're just visitors in this world. “

The search for water also consumed much of Harriet’s time, time she could have spent earning an income or helping her children thrive. Instead, the family’s limited resources were diverted to medical expenses, leaving nothing for essentials like school fees or nutritious food.

But with access to clean water, everything changed.

Sumaya, 9, Aidah, 10, and their mother Harriet going to collect unclean water from a

pond for their household use in Uganda.&nbsp;WaterAid/ James Kiyimba

Today, Harriet’s children are healthier. The financial strain of constant illness has eased. The time once spent searching for water is now used to build a better future. Clean water hasn’t just transformed Harriet’s day-to-day life — it has restored her hope.

In Cambodia,Sun, 33, lives with her four children. Her husband works in Thailand, sending money home when he can. Like many mothers in the region, Sun carries the full weight of raising her children without reliable access to safe water.

Each day, Sun walks to a nearby well or pond, collecting just one bucket of water at a time.

The water looks clear, but she worries about illness. Her youngest child suffers from stunting, a lasting impact of not having enough nutritious food or safe water during pregnancy.

“When she was born, she weighed only 1.5kg. I wanted to take her to hospital, but I couldn’t afford the transport.”

Sun still dreams of a simple tap at home.

Sun Seiya, 33, with her children (left to right) Chantha, 5, baby Channa, Sreyleak, 4, and Samnay, 10 in their community in, Cambodia.. WaterAid/Tariq Hawari

Nicole Ryan, Acting Director of Community and Corporate Engagement at WaterAid Australia,&nbsp;said:

“This Mother’s Day, let’s not forget that for many mums like Sun in Cambodia, there are no flowers or breakfast in bed—just another day of walking for water and worrying about their children’s health.

No one should have to raise their children without access to something as basic and essential as clean water. At WaterAid, we’re working alongside our partners in Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea and beyond to make sure every mother has the chance to watch her children grow up healthy and strong—with clean water close to home.”

Harriet washes her son in a basin full of water now that she has easy access to clean water at home in, Uganda, May 2024. WaterAid/ James KiyimbaThis Mother's Day, while many mums will wake up with a cup of tea delivered to them in bed or a relaxing bubble bath, millions of mums around the world will face a different reality.For them, the day begins not with joy, but with the heavy burden of securing something most of us take for granted — clean water for their families.In countless communities, the simple act of turning on a tap is not an option and mothers bear the weight of making sure their family survive without it.In fact, globally, women and girls spend 200 million hours every day collecting water.In Papua New Guinea,pregnant mother Jennifer is preparing to welcome her second child. But unlike many expectant mums, her journey to motherhood is filled with obstacles most of us can’t imagine.The local health centre, which serves more than 8,500 people, is crumbling. The building is riddled with termites, the delivery room lacks sanitation and the water tanks are rusted and contaminated. With no running water and broken toilets, Jennifer is forced to use the bushes or walk to the river — even while in labour.The risks are serious. Without clean water, infection is common. Mothers must bring their own water to take medication. Staff clean instruments with bleach when no steriliser is available. In the wet season, overflowing pit toilets pose serious health hazards.&nbsp;“If the clinic had clean water and proper equipment, I would feel safe to give birth here,” Jennifer says. “But it doesn’t.”<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/5398ec15-713a-497f-b283-c9983f78a600/public" alt="Image" />Jennifer Kenea, 23, and her son Michael wait outside Kuriva sub-healthcare centre, Central Province, Papua New Guinea. WaterAid/Tariq HawariIn Uganda,&nbsp;mums like Harriet go to extraordinary lengths every day to protect and provide for their children.Harriet’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact water can have on a mother’s ability to care for her family. For years, Harriet and her children relied on unsafe, contaminated water sources shared with animals. The consequences were severe: stomach aches, skin rashes and frequent illnesses became part of daily life.Before gaining access to clean water, Harriet said:“I really feel envious when I see that the other villages have water, and we don't. I feel like the world belongs to them and we're just visitors in this world. “The search for water also consumed much of Harriet’s time, time she could have spent earning an income or helping her children thrive. Instead, the family’s limited resources were diverted to medical expenses, leaving nothing for essentials like school fees or nutritious food.But with access to clean water, everything changed.<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/961b4a0f-2abf-499a-6523-e55c445cff00/public" alt="Image" />Sumaya, 9, Aidah, 10, and their mother Harriet going to collect unclean water from apond for their household use in Uganda.&nbsp;WaterAid/ James KiyimbaToday, Harriet’s children are healthier. The financial strain of constant illness has eased. The time once spent searching for water is now used to build a better future. Clean water hasn’t just transformed Harriet’s day-to-day life — it has restored her hope.In Cambodia,Sun, 33, lives with her four children. Her husband works in Thailand, sending money home when he can. Like many mothers in the region, Sun carries the full weight of raising her children without reliable access to safe water.Each day, Sun walks to a nearby well or pond, collecting just one bucket of water at a time.The water looks clear, but she worries about illness. Her youngest child suffers from stunting, a lasting impact of not having enough nutritious food or safe water during pregnancy.“When she was born, she weighed only 1.5kg. I wanted to take her to hospital, but I couldn’t afford the transport.”Sun still dreams of a simple tap at home.<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/de5d5b5a-146c-4c6d-19cd-e581b808a800/public" alt="Image" />Sun Seiya, 33, with her children (left to right) Chantha, 5, baby Channa, Sreyleak, 4, and Samnay, 10 in their community in, Cambodia.. WaterAid/Tariq HawariNicole Ryan, Acting Director of Community and Corporate Engagement at WaterAid Australia,&nbsp;said:“This Mother’s Day, let’s not forget that for many mums like Sun in Cambodia, there are no flowers or breakfast in bed—just another day of walking for water and worrying about their children’s health.No one should have to raise their children without access to something as basic and essential as clean water. At WaterAid, we’re working alongside our partners in Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea and beyond to make sure every mother has the chance to watch her children grow up healthy and strong—with clean water close to home.”

Volunteer

Foundations / Associations

Government offices / organizations

New images highlight the stark contrast of Mother’s Day experiences worldwide

You can trust a&nbsp;Pinky Promise and every year Bakers Delight bakeries in local communities make good on their commitment to support Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and all Australians affected by breast cancer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Each May for a quarter of a century, Bakers Delight bakeries around the country have produced the trademark Pink Buns, donating 100% of sales to Breast Cancer Network Australia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Every Pink Bun counts! Over $ 27 million has gone towards ensuring BCNA provides the very best information and support is available to the more than 21,000 people diagnosed with breast cancer every year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

DOUBLE DONATION DAY. On Friday 9th&nbsp;May the Fun Buns will make an even bigger impact. Bakers Delight has pledged to match the dollars raised from every Fun Bun 6 Pack purchased.&nbsp;

Bakers Delight Joint CEO, Elise Gillespie says Pink Buns for BCNA is part of the organisation's DNA. “We are keeping our Pinky Promise because breast cancer isn’t done yet, and neither are we. We are so proud of the way our bakeries get behind the annual campaign and connect with their local communities. We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer, including some of our bakers and staff and the pink buns start some important conversations.”&nbsp;

Breast Cancer Network Australia, CEO, Kirsten Pilatti says the long partnership with Bakers Delight is authentic in both words and actions. “This is a Pinky Promise that has been made and kept for 25 years. Pink Buns taste great and importantly enable us to be a powerful voice and support for Australians affected by breast cancer that is truly amazing. BCNA is the gold standard in driving powerful change and better outcomes, that’s a lot of bang for your Pink Bun.” ” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pink Bun 2025 has a fundraising target of $2.5 million.&nbsp;

Pink Buns go on sale on 1 May – through to 21 May 2025 –&nbsp;&nbsp;

Six pack of Pink Buns is $8.50&nbsp;&nbsp;

You can trust a&nbsp;Pinky Promise and every year Bakers Delight bakeries in local communities make good on their commitment to support Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and all Australians affected by breast cancer.&nbsp;&nbsp;Each May for a quarter of a century, Bakers Delight bakeries around the country have produced the trademark Pink Buns, donating 100% of sales to Breast Cancer Network Australia.&nbsp;&nbsp;Every Pink Bun counts! Over $ 27 million has gone towards ensuring BCNA provides the very best information and support is available to the more than 21,000 people diagnosed with breast cancer every year.&nbsp;&nbsp;DOUBLE DONATION DAY. On Friday 9th&nbsp;May the Fun Buns will make an even bigger impact. Bakers Delight has pledged to match the dollars raised from every Fun Bun 6 Pack purchased.&nbsp;Bakers Delight Joint CEO, Elise Gillespie says Pink Buns for BCNA is part of the organisation's DNA. “We are keeping our Pinky Promise because breast cancer isn’t done yet, and neither are we. We are so proud of the way our bakeries get behind the annual campaign and connect with their local communities. We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer, including some of our bakers and staff and the pink buns start some important conversations.”&nbsp;Breast Cancer Network Australia, CEO, Kirsten Pilatti says the long partnership with Bakers Delight is authentic in both words and actions. “This is a Pinky Promise that has been made and kept for 25 years. Pink Buns taste great and importantly enable us to be a powerful voice and support for Australians affected by breast cancer that is truly amazing. BCNA is the gold standard in driving powerful change and better outcomes, that’s a lot of bang for your Pink Bun.” ” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pink Bun 2025 has a fundraising target of $2.5 million.&nbsp;Pink Buns go on sale on 1 May – through to 21 May 2025 –&nbsp;&nbsp;Double Donation Day – 9&nbsp;May&nbsp;Six pack of Pink Buns is $8.50&nbsp;&nbsp;

Food / Sweets

Local bakeries’ ‘Pinky Promise’ to support Australians with breast cancer celebrate 25 years.

The Rapid Relief Team (RRT) was up from sunrise to serve up 1,200 meals in support of the annual Good Friday Appeal to raise funds for The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) in Victoria.

Thirty RRT volunteers were on hand to provide hot, delicious food in the courtyard of RCH Melbourne, making sure kids and families, hospital staff, and other special guests were well-fed throughout the day.

Melbourne LTL Billy Salisbury said it is the ninth year RRT has supported the Good Friday Appeal for RCH.

“RRT loves events like the Good Friday Appeal – our volunteers provided quality food to the RCH community, making it a great day for all and helping them to reach their fundraising goal,” said Billy.

“Thirty volunteers were on the barbecues from the crack of dawn, cooking up bacon and egg rolls, sausage sandwiches and RRT Signature Burgers.

“We are so happy and humbled to have been part of this event since 2016, and we hope to be back for a tenth year in 2026,” he said.

“RCH has such a significant impact on the lives of kids in our community, and that is why the Good Friday Appeal has such incredible support and raises a huge amount of money.”

This year the Good Friday Appeal raised a total of $23,822,792.

As the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, RRT supports frontline workers and emergency services by providing food, donations and other resources, as well as hosting events for the community.

Established in 2013 to assist emergency services in times of disaster and crisis by providing meals and other support, it’s expanded to more than 16,000 volunteers and provides support to the community through charitable donations and events.

For more information on RRT, please go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rrtglobal.org/" target="_blank">www.rrtglobal.org/</a>.

The Rapid Relief Team (RRT) was up from sunrise to serve up 1,200 meals in support of the annual Good Friday Appeal to raise funds for The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) in Victoria.Thirty RRT volunteers were on hand to provide hot, delicious food in the courtyard of RCH Melbourne, making sure kids and families, hospital staff, and other special guests were well-fed throughout the day.Melbourne LTL Billy Salisbury said it is the ninth year RRT has supported the Good Friday Appeal for RCH.“RRT loves events like the Good Friday Appeal – our volunteers provided quality food to the RCH community, making it a great day for all and helping them to reach their fundraising goal,” said Billy.“Thirty volunteers were on the barbecues from the crack of dawn, cooking up bacon and egg rolls, sausage sandwiches and RRT Signature Burgers.“We are so happy and humbled to have been part of this event since 2016, and we hope to be back for a tenth year in 2026,” he said.“RCH has such a significant impact on the lives of kids in our community, and that is why the Good Friday Appeal has such incredible support and raises a huge amount of money.”This year the Good Friday Appeal raised a total of $23,822,792.As the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, RRT supports frontline workers and emergency services by providing food, donations and other resources, as well as hosting events for the community.Established in 2013 to assist emergency services in times of disaster and crisis by providing meals and other support, it’s expanded to more than 16,000 volunteers and provides support to the community through charitable donations and events.For more information on RRT, please go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rrtglobal.org/" target="_blank">www.rrtglobal.org/</a>.