Why Supporting Small Businesses Can Create Bigger Change For Other Women and Children
Recently my husband and I attended a charity dinner for International Care Ministries (ICM), an organisation supporting families living in ultra poverty (less than USD$1/day) across the Philippines, Uganda, Guatemala and Barundi.
This was the third year I had attended and each time the impact stays with me long after I leave.
Throughout the night we heard stories from families living in circumstances many of us can scarcely comprehend. Families facing daily challenges around food security, clean water, healthcare, education and safe housing. But more than anything, we heard stories of resilience, dignity and transformation.
What struck me most deeply was how much ICM’s philosophy mirrors the work I do through my own business.
I often talk about sleep as being more than just a baby issue. Sleep exists within family systems. It is shaped by biology, emotional wellbeing, environment, routines, support systems, mental load, work pressures and wider social and socio-economic factors.
ICM approaches poverty in much the same way.
Rather than offering short-term aid alone, they work holistically alongside families and communities to create sustainable, long-term change.
Their Transform program supports communities through practical education, nutrition, healthcare, livelihood training, sanitation, mentoring, business micro loans and financial literacy programs. It’s not about “rescuing” people. It’s about equipping and empowering families with the tools, support and opportunities to create lasting change for themselves and future generations.
During the evening, my husband and I sponsored a community through the Transform program, which supports and equips 30 community members, 88% of whom are women. We also purchased a soft toy handmade by women supported through ICM’s initiatives. That single soft toy purchase alone provides 1,000 nutritional meals for malnourished children. In addition, they have a dedicated medical fund, where doctors donate their time to provide life changing surgeries and services, as well as a dedicated child education fund.
ICM also places enormous importance on keeping overheads low and ensuring every dollar of these donations directly support the communities and programs in need. Many of their leaders and staff are exceptionally skilled and experienced people who have chosen purpose-driven work over large corporate salaries (or donate their time for free) because they genuinely believe in creating meaningful change at scale. The CEO, David Sutherland, is the ex-CFO of Morgan Stanley, and is obsessed with making the maximum impact from every donation.
As a small business owner, this evening reminded me why I care so deeply about the work I do, and each year my business grows, I’m able to increase the amount of support I give.
When families support my business, that support extends beyond helping parents feel rested and supported in their own homes. It also allows us to contribute to this organisation creating positive impact in the wider world.
I know that when parents are deeply sleep deprived, overwhelmed and struggling, life can feel incredibly heavy. Supporting families through those seasons matters deeply to me. But I also believe part of building a meaningful business is using it as a vehicle to contribute beyond ourselves whenever possible.
So to every family who has trusted me, supported my business, shared my work, attended a class, referred a friend or worked with me directly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Your support allows us to give back in ways that truly matter to our family.
And that is something I will never take for granted.
Jen x