I got my first Christmas party invite last week. I looked at the calendar and thought, “wow, in July?” Then a few days later, someone asked me about plans for the KT Circle December event as her calendar was getting booked up. And I realised that December is well and truly upon us.

In November 2018, after our first and second events in London and Lagos, our aim for a December event was to give back; do something for charity. Going forward, we’ve decided that all our events in December will be charity related.

In conversation with Mercy, she mentioned that Colourful Beginnings — a charity focused on providing love, support, and assistance to families with premature babies, and families in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) — would be a great one to partner with.

Ola, the charity’s Founder delivered both her babies prematurely. Her first daughter was born at 23 weeks, with little chance of surviving. She then spent nine months in five different hospitals, before eventually being allowed to go home on oxygen and a feeding tube.

Her NICU experience inspired her to start a support group for families in similar situations. She was dismayed at the absence of any emotional help, tips or support to navigate the journey as a preemie mum — a tedious and emotionally draining experience. So, she founded the charity to do exactly that.

Ola’s second daughter was born at 29 weeks, exactly a month after starting the group. Since founding the organisation and for the past three Christmases, she had prepared care packages for such families who would be spending Christmas in the NICU. The first two occasions were not easy as she personally purchased all the items, handwrapped them, and delivered them to the hospital.

I was immediately sold on helping out. Being a first time mum just a little while ago at that time, I couldn’t imagine the mental and emotional stress parents of premature babies must go through. This wasn’t a charity or a need that was out there, but one that was necessary nonetheless.

The idea for the KT Circle Christmas Mixer was therefore to assist Ola in wrapping up these packages and delivering them to Queens Hospital, Romford. It was also an opportunity to hang out, meet new people, enjoy some good food and all round Christmas vibes.

Assumpta found us the perfect venue — her family house which was pretty close to the hospital. We formed a production line and got done with the packages in record time. For a task Ola would typically complete in days, we were done within the hour! The package included books, blankets, cookies and chocolate, vitamins and breastfeeding supplements, onesies and hats for premature babies, and so much more! 

What was most touching to me, though, was the love piece. As premature children are so tiny and many times kept away from their parents, the love bond hearts provide a means of contact. These are placed on the parents‘ bare chest for a while and then placed in the child’s cot — a means of skin-to–skin and contact for both parties.

There was lots of food and good vibes. More importantly, everyone felt fulfilled at being able to help. We delivered these to the hospital and it was all so warmly received — an all-round good day!

Please check out Colourful Beginnings who continue to do amazing work. The testimonies and goodwill on their Instagram page are evidence of this. Please feel free to reach out to them to support or partner in any way.

Also, thanks to Mercy for suggesting this and taking these wonderful photos.

We’re now exploring December ideas for the KT CIrcle event which will also have to be with a charity. So, if you’ve got any ideas, let us know!

Read too: The KacheeTee Circle – Creative PhotoWalk Experience and Afternoon Tea/Vision Board Workshop