In a heartwarming story to start your week off right, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are making a difference to those who need it most in Santa Monica, California.
It was reported this past weekend that the duke and duchess surprised a women’s shelter in Santa Monica by donating a year’s worth of diapers and cleaning supplies to the Harvest Home shelter located in Meghan’s home state of California.
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In an effort to help those in need on Mother’s Day, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who are expecting their second baby this summer, made a substantial donation to expectant mothers in Santa Monica, California.
The pair, who launched their non-profit the Archewell Foundation last year, shared a heartfelt post about their recent donation to the Harvest Home women’s shelter, which helps support homeless pregnant women and their children.
“In honor of Mother’s Day, Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are recognizing the work of Harvest Home, a Los Angeles–based organization that uplifts expectant mothers who are experiencing homelessness,” the statement on their website read.
“Harvest Home offers these women welcoming and comfortable housing and goes to great lengths to provide programs that help them start their mothering journey on a stronger foot, benefiting their families for generations to come,” the statement continued .
The pair went on to acknowledge the disproportionally large burden that falls on expectant women of color.
“On a day when we celebrate and reflect on motherhood, we’re reminded of the journey to motherhood as well. Pregnancy can be a vulnerable time for any mother, but it can be especially difficult for pregnant women of color and those who come from under-resourced and vulnerable communities.”
Their statement continued:
“In Los Angeles alone, 5,000 women each year experience homelessness at some point during their pregnancy, and they are often turned away from shelters, at no fault of their own.”
“At its extraordinary facility, Harvest Home meets the needs of these expectant mothers by providing them with community support, safe and accessible pregnancy resources, and trusted guidance in a nurturing setting—ingredients that are essential not just to physical health, but also mental well-being.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle then went on to explain their partnership with Procter & Gamble in an effort to fulfill Harvest Home’s wishlist.
“Through Archewell Foundation, The Duke and Duchess’ mission is to demonstrate compassion in action, spark supportive and connected communities, and build a more equitable and just future.”
“Their aim is to ensure that parents, of every makeup and all walks of life, have the support they need to raise families that thrive.”
“With this mission in mind, Archewell Foundation, along with Procter & Gamble are fulfilling Harvest Home’s online wish list for the women they serve.”
The list included “diapers for a year and cleaning supplies to stock the shelves at Harvest Home’s first facility as well as their new home in progress.”
The statement ended with a heartfelt wish for mother’s everywhere.
“May we all recognize and support the expectant mothers, as well as all mothers, in our lives and communities every day in the year ahead.”
Harvest Home has responded to the donation with an emotional Instagram post.
“Today, we are thrilled to have the support of Archewell Foundation, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and Procter & Gamble, who are donating diapers, cleaning supplies, and other essential items to ensure that the moms and babies at Harvest Home are celebrated all throughout the year.”
Harvest Home then revealed that The Duchess had sent a personal letter to in addition to the donations.
“This incredible Mother’s Day surprise was accompanied by a personal letter from The Duchess that included these inspiring words: ‘As a mom, and an expectant mom, I deeply appreciate the significance of community support, safe and accessible pregnancy resources, and trusted guidance in a nurturing setting. These ingredients are essential to not just our physical health, but our mental well-being, and I commend you for leading a compassionate community that lives these values.”
Her letter continued:
“Thank you for all you do for the women and mothers who are turned away elsewhere, at no fault of their own. When we consider how vulnerable any mother feels during the fragile time of pregnancy, we gain perspective about how especially difficult it can be for pregnant women of color and those who come from under-resourced and vulnerable communities. I hope you will accept an offer of support to help further uplift Harvest Home’s residents.”
What an amazing gesture from the Duke and Duchess!
