Start of the “Kodomo-Takushoku（Food delivery program for children and families） ” for members of the sick child care program for single parents! We delivered groceries and household items.

　A prolonged outbreak of COVID-19 and a major change in people’s lives in 2020.
 

　Many people must have been bewildered by a series of unforeseen events, such as unemployment and loss of income due to the “COVID-19 recession”, as well as the temporary closure of schools, nursery schools, and kindergartens.
 

　The impact on single-parent families who are solely responsible for work and household chores and families in difficult economic circumstances, is particularly devastating.

　Our company, Florence offers emergency support to single parents who use our sick childcare services with the hope that these families will be able to work and raise their children with peace of mind. As part of the “COVID-19 Children’s Emergency Support Project”, we have begun offering free monthly membership fees, free childcare, and childcare for healthy children, and have been delivering groceries and household items to them, donated by companies for some time.

 In light of the lingering effects of the COVID-19, We have decided to continue our efforts to deliver these groceries and household items as “Kodomo-Takushoku Hidamari Delivery Service”! （“Hidamari” is a sun spot in English. We name and hope that the project is warm support like a sun spot for children and single-parent families.）

　By March 2021, we will continue to regularly deliver these to single-parent families using sick children’s care with donations and grants as the source of funds.

　In August, the first delivery of the “Kodomo-Takushoku Hidamari Delivery Service” was carried out. Let me inform you of the contents.

 
【We delivered mainly ready-to-eat foods and heavy bottles that are too heavy to carry around.】

　The first Delivery Service focused on cup noodles, canned tuna and retort food for busy families, as well as heavy, hard-to-carry dressings, salad oil and bottled drinks.
 

　In addition, to help they enjoy a sense of the season in their life, we also have summer foods such as “Hiyamugi”（It is a traditional summery Japanese dish. It’s a cold soupy noodle.）, “Mentsuyu” (Noodle soup base) and “CALPIS”.（It is kind of a yogurt-like drink with lactic acid.）
 We have also included snacks that children will love, and wrapping and food storage bags that are essential for life.

【There are also nutritional drinks, skin care products, masks, and other small gifts.】

In addition to food products, we also delivered the following daily necessities donated by various corporations and organizations to enrich their daily lives.

    Organic skin care products for parents and children provided by Kounosuke.
    Vitamin Drink “Chocola BB” provided by Eisai Co., Ltd.
　Disposable masks provided by general incorporated foundation Midas foundation.
 

　We received many gifts from donors with the intention of supporting single parent families in difficult situations. We carefully packaged the gifts one by one so that the users could feel the warmth and kindness of these gifts.

【Users said that it made us feel that there was someone supporting us.】

　Here’s what some of our users have said about the first “Kodomo-Takushoku Hidamari Delivery Service”.

　”I had a late breakfast on Saturday morning and was just starting to relax when I heard the doorbell. I wonder what was delivered? I opened the box with my 2 year and 9 months daughter. ‘Wow!’ So much! We were both very happy. My daughter said, “Mommy, what’s this? She said, holding the calpis in one hand and pointing with her fingers to the gifts in the box. Thank you for the thoughtful gift. Chocolat B B! I was very happy for you personally, as I usually do not have time for my own maintenance.”

　”Thank you for this very nice gift. We were very happy because in these times we have fewer opportunities to go shopping with ease and we haven’t had much in the way of luxury items. I will enjoy this gift with my children. I will also take good care of my cosmetics, just me. Thank you for always caring about us.”

　”Thank you so much for sending us this unexpected and delightful item! It was a wonderful gift for the holidays when we were cooped up in the house due to the heat wave and COVID-19, and our family was overjoyed. As a single parent, to save money, I usually don’t buy good dressings and juices when I go to the supermarket, but I am in the habit of getting cheap ones, so I was very happy to have some CALPIS and nutritional drinks in the fridge. We often consume powdered drinks and  Mentsuyu which give you energy and are very heavy to buy at this time of year, so we are very grateful for this. I’m also very happy with the body sheet, which is usually hard to buy, so I’m very happy. Thank you so much.”

“Thank you so much for supporting the gifts. It helps us with all the things that will last and be used. I’ve been depressed about my work and childcare situation, but I feel energized that there is someone out there who is supporting me. I would like to participate in “Hidamari Salon*” when I have time to spare.”

　* “Hidamari Salon” is an event with childcare for members who use Florence’s “Single Parent Support Plan” for sick children. We offer various classes for parents to enjoy in their own time, such as accessory making and yoga classes, and volunteer to provide useful information on parenting. Operation costs are covered by donations from the staff.

【We need your help so that all parents and children can live in peace.】

　Florence will continue to support single-parent families affected by the COVID-19 recession and families with financial difficulties under the banner of “#with COVID-19 Parent and Child Support”.

　This effort is supported by donations from corporations and individuals who share our vision.

　Even in tough times, we will not give up on supporting every parent and child in Japan. We will protect the “smiles of parents and children”. To achieve this, we need your help.

　Thank you for your continued support.

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