Fundraising for maternal health in Sierra Leone

The SFN supported the event with a financial contribution to the flowers and by coordinating grower donations.  SFN member florist Bec Humphris of Not Just a Pretty Flower came onboard to transform the stunning donated blooms into meaningful arrangements for the event.

The Aminata Maternal Foundation is dedicated to ending maternal and infant mortality in Sierra Leone, one of the world’s most dangerous places to give birth. In stark contrast to Australia, where one in 8,700 women die during childbirth, in Sierra Leone it’s one in 17. And tragically, one in 10 children won’t reach their 5th birthday (read more).

Between 1991 and 2002, the country experienced a civil war that left more than 50,000 people dead and its infrastructure destroyed.  Over two million people were displaced. The economy is yet to fully recover after the effects of the civil war and the impacts are felt in all facets of life for people living in Sierra Leone.

Through their Dream Girls Program, Midwife Training, skills building and education initiatives, the Aminata Foundation empowers young women to escape the cycle of early motherhood through education, addressing immediate needs while fostering long-term empowerment and sustainable growth. On the night, founder Aminata Conteh-Biger urged guests not just to feel inspired—but motivated to act.

The florals added layers of meaning, featuring vibrant South African natives like leucadendron and the dramatic King Protea. The room came alive with floral colour, African drumming, and a sea of traditional head wraps.

A heartfelt thank you to the generous growers and wholesalers who donated blooms: East Coast Wildflowers, De Boer Tulips, TNT Flowers, Floramax and Emerald Gardens Nursery.

Bec crafted two grand stage pieces, 30 table posies, and welcoming entrance arrangements. Plastic flower sleeves were collected by Bec and taken to her local recycling centre, while and hand-tied arrangements straight into water for the tables.

At the end of the night, all flowers were beautifully wrapped and sold by donation—raising over $1,000 to support more girls in Sierra Leone.

Florist tip: If you’re doing something similar, have your MC announce the flower sale and organise volunteers to quickly remove arrangements before the dance floor opens. This creates momentum—and helps maximise donations!

Guests and the Aminata team loved the flowers. This event was a true reminder of our industry’s collaborative and compassionate spirit and a reminder about the different ways we support the UNSDGs through floristry – in particular, Goal 3 – Good Health and Well Being.