According to the Foundation’s Founder, Rachel Stanfield Porter, the proceeds from this annual fundraiser are directly applied to its baby lifesaving initiatives and family support programs. The Bonnie Babes Foundation relies solely on contributions from the public.

“Current statistics indicate the more than 50,000 babies die each year from miscarriage and stillbirth, one in four pregnancies end in a loss and one in every 20 babies are born prematurely. This staggering statistic has not altered since my Grandmother’s era. Bonnie Babes is the only organisation in Australia raising money for medical research projects, perinatal equipment and grief counselling for families who have suffered the loss of a child in this way.” according to Ms Stanfield Porter.

“The Pride of the Nation book provides an annual snap shot of the next generation. It showcases the wonderful diversity of our Australian population, while also highlighting the natural beauty of every child as an individual. Pride of the Nation is a unique way to celebrate the gift of children while supporting the essential services of this charity.

We are extremely grateful to the photographers participating in the Pride of the Nation, all volunteers, who waive their normal sitting fee to help the charity. Instead, the $50 paid for the first child or $75 for all children from the same family goes directly to the Bonnie Babes Foundation.” she said.

All of the children photographed will be included in the annual Pride of the Nation book. Like a Year Book, it will forever capture that fleeting and irreplaceable moment in a child’s life.

Following registration, an accredited photographer will be allocated to take the child’s portraits. The photographer will then supply three images from the session, from which the publishers will select one to be published in the book. Once photographed, the children are guaranteed to appear in Pride of the Nation coffee table book.

The option to purchase photographs or the book for family and friends is available directly through the photographer. The book will also be available from selected Target stores nationally.

This project has been developed by Nulab Professional Imaging, in conjunction with the Bonnie Babes Foundation and is supported by Target, Kodak, Centro Shopping Centres and ASG. Bonnie Babes is grateful for their support.

Editor’s note
Established in 1994, Bonnie Babes is an international not-for-profit organisation that began in Australia and expanded its services to the United States and Great Britain. It is the only organisation of its type in Australia and America. The organisation is run by committee members and volunteers. All proceeds the organisation raises go towards perinatal medicine for medical research projects and 24 hour 7 day per week telephone help lines to counsel families who are grieving after the loss of a baby. The Foundation also assists to educate health professionals.