News

Nanny K — a beacon of support for new parents

St John of God Health Care volunteer and retired caregiver Karen Giles has donated more than 1,500 newborn baby bundles. Hear how her passion and one community’s generosity is bringing comfort to new mums.

12 Aug 2024

Karen Giles smiles for the camera holding two baby bundles

Meet the wonderful Karen Giles lovingly referred to as 'Nanny K' by the Geraldton community. Born and raised in the Mid West town seven decades ago, Karen has become a beloved and well-known member of the community, owing to her incredible and selfless work in supporting new parents. Her remarkable contributions earned her the Senior Community Citizen of the Year award in 2023.

Working for three years as a receptionist and a further 10 years in the theatre ward at St John of God Geraldton Hospital, it was during this time she also volunteered for the hospital’s mothers group and where she earnt her iconic ‘nanny’ nickname.

“I was called the baby whisperer early in life as I had a natural rapport with babies,” Karen said.

“Over the years I have helped several families with their new babies, some of who often didn’t have much support and it was through this that I became known to many as Nanny.”

A bundle of love for new parents

Wanting to do more for new families in the community, in May 2021 Karen launched a volunteer initiative at the hospital, providing baby bundles to new parents.

“With  financial assistance from the St John of God Geraldton Hospital Auxiliary, I purchased clothes and other essential baby items for the bundles with a lot of donations also coming from the community”, Karen said.

“Each bundle is unique with a lot of thought and love going into each one.

“I love collecting the items, meeting new people, listening to mums who are struggling and give them a little bit of comfort so they know they are not alone in their parenthood journey.”

Karen Giles and a new mum smile as they hold a baby bundle.

Karen has expanded the baby bundle initiative to include other hospitals and not-for-profit groups in the region with more than 1,500 baby bundles delivered to new parents in the three short years since it started.

“It’s a labour of love and the feedback I receive from new mums and the community are the reason I continue to prepare and distribute the baby bundles.”

Karen is one of the many volunteers at St John of God Geraldton Hospital who make a significant contribution to providing holistic patient care. To find out more about volunteering at St John of God Health Care, visit www.sjog.org.au/working-with-us/join-us/volunteering