PREGNANT women in Ethiopia will be one step closer to a new maternity hospital with the help of the members of the Inner Wheel Club of Orange.

The club will host an open garden on October 18 to raise funds for the Barbara May Foundation, which is building a new maternity care hospital in Bahir Dar Ethiopia, at the cost of $400,000. 

The foundation directly supports the work of Australians Valerie Browning and Dr Andrew Browning who work with women and babies in Ethiopia to decrease the high incidence of death and injury during childbirth and reduce the number of women suffering from obstetric fistula.

Approximately $300,000 has already been raised for the hospital through donations to the foundation, but the club’s international service officer Maria Bargwanna said they are still trying to reach the final target.

“Presently they are operating out of a refurbished cow shed and can only deliver 180 babies per month. The new hospital will give poor women dignity and safety during pregnancy and birth,” Mrs Bargwanna said.

“All proceeds of the open garden will go towards this worthy cause.”

The open garden is at 16 Old Forbes Road, on the corner of The Escort Way, and can be viewed between 10am and 5pm.

“The 3.5 acres of old English garden rambles into rows of deciduous trees, under plantings of perennials and bulbs as well as a sunken garden, and a ruin wall. It’s a truly magnificent garden,” Mrs Bargwanna said.

The Inner Wheel members will be serving delicious homemade morning and afternoon teas and selling many well- established plants, craft articles, and there will be an art exhibition and live music. 

Entry is $10 per person. For inquiries contact Mrs Bargwanna on 0418 760 412.