From First Impressions To A Long-Term, Mutually-Beneficial Partnership

Anne

In 2022, our partner Little Social, which offers Peranakan private dining, told me that they were doing a fundraising event supporting Babes and wanted our support. At that time, I hadn’t heard of Babes, so I asked, “Who are they?”. After learning that it is a non-profit and knowing more about its work, I replied, “Yes, I’ll support! What do you want from me?” 

First impression of Babes

During the sharing by Executive Director Melisa, at the event, I was struck by how open and candid Babes is in talking about sexual issues, such as the use of contraceptives. After all, we are such a conservative Asian society, yet she could deliver such content in a matter-of-fact manner. I felt that this was what people should be doing to tackle the root of the issue. Melisa was so genuine and approachable, and she connected so well with the audience. Her sincerity moved me. 

As a woman, Babes’ cause resonated with me. When I was a teenager, we didn’t have access to this type awareness or help. Today Babes is here, helping the girls through their decisions, with respect and to grow with dignity. It is a heavy topic, but Babes conveys its messages in a tactful way that was just right.

Once, there was a young boy and girl who came to my store and I was sharing with them that we would be hosting an event for Babes the next day so the store wouldn’t be open to public then. I was surprised when the boy mentioned he knew about Babes. The led me to ponder that when there’s an unplanned pregnancy, the boy has the option to run away from the problem, but for the girl, it’s impossible. Boys need outreach too, and it makes me even more appreciative for Babes’ efforts, which go beyond girls to the boys. I’m happy to see that as Babes conducts more outreach, more activities, the messages are passed through to more and more people in general; because everyone has a role to play to make the community better. 

How our relationship with Babes has grown

Through the years, I have worked with the team on collaborations, such as hosting an exhibition, “Women of Babes” featuring 10 remarkable women from the community, a Mother’s Day event, and a mooncake festival fund-raiser. Through these activities, I’ve met the women supporting Babes and the service users, and I’ve learnt new things. For example, that support is not as simple as providing material things, such as milk powder or diapers. Emotional support is so important! Some of these girls are in such a vulnerable stage. I’ve also learnt how much the girls appreciate what Babes does, and it highlights to me the value of Babes’ work. 

Why we support non-profits such as Babes

Fort Sanctuary started off as a non-profit called Fu San De, 福善德 and we know how hard it is to be a non-profit. Today, though Fort Sanctuary is a tea company, our values are still about giving and kindness, so if a non-profit comes to us, we will never say no. We are a small SME, and our resources are limited. While we may not be able to donate a lot, we will do whatever we can. When we offered use of the space, I was open to the possibility of it complimentary. But Melisa’s approach is to value partners. Although Babes is a non-profit, her mindset is not to abuse the goodwill and to cultivate a sustainable collaboration.

The role of our tea

When you think about companies that support Babes, perhaps you think of a milk powder company, but companies don’t need to be in a related industry to support the cause. Our tea can be a medium, a vehicle to help pass a lot of messages. We can use our space to hold experiences and raise funds. There are many things that can be explored. 

To us, our tea is very precious. It is crafted by many people over several years, with love and sincerity. So whilst we want to give, it is our hope that the recipient really appreciates it. It is only if we see the meaning in the cause that we feel that we are respecting the tea leaves, our workers and our core values. When we support non-profits we manifest and reinforce the values through action. Furthermore, when we sell our tea (at Boutique Fair) to benefit Babes, we want to thank the buyers for their kindness with something special from us in return—precious tea leaves that come from ancient trees hundreds of years old. 

How tea can be used to spread awareness 

We collaborated with Babes to develop a Babes tea-brewing kit for a Mother’s Day event, which could be used to help spread Babes’ cause. The issues may not be easy to bring up, and I wanted the kit to help create opportunities to do so. In a relaxing tea brewing and drinking atmosphere, you can speak casually and have a light conversation. Our tea can be brewed many times, and this allows for a longer engagement. 

In similar fashion, I bought the Babes candles to gift to others, and in the process, the messages are also passed along. When the recipients see these products supporting Babes, they will naturally be prompted to find out more, and it becomes a less abrupt and more tactful way of starting a conversation about these issues with others, especially for parents with teenaged children who are dating. We used to be teenagers ourselves and we know how difficult it is to broach these topics, despite having questions or needing help. If they don’t want to approach their parents, at least they may know Babes as a place to find out more or get help.

How giving becomes gain

I’ve come to understand from from personal friends who have been in situations where they had to make choices like abortion that the struggles and thoughts may remain with them for many years. It’s a lasting impact to women. So what Babes does is powerful – it doesn’t just help the present needs. 

While I haven’t had personal experience in this area nor any children, through that first encounter with Babes and the subsequent engagements and collaborations, I now understand this issue so much better, and I realise how much of a difference, efforts such as theirs could make to a woman’s life. Sometimes, it may not be immediate, but perhaps somewhere down the line there will be a great impact to the person’s life.

When I’m helping Babes, I feel that I’m not just giving, but I’m also gaining. I also feel that I’m helping my friends too, through sharing these messages to them and indirectly their children, so that they may benefit too from the awareness. Each time I work with the team, I learn from them. I’m very thankful for this journey with Babes, and that they have put a lot of trust in Fort Sanctuary. 

Written by volunteer, Sherry Nee