Ambassador to Plan International Australia since 2017, Jan Fran is looking forward to a Mother’s Day this year with a little extra meaning behind it. She is expecting her first baby in June, “I might miss the actual date itself by a month however, it does allow me to think about Mother’s Day from a different perspective. From the perspective of a soon to be mum”.
But Mother’s Day has always been a family celebration for Jan, where everyone gets together to spend time with her mum and reflect on everything that the special women in their life have done for them.
“We usually head over to mums house for lunch, which she makes incidentally! She won’t tolerate anyone else in the kitchen despite our efforts to convince her otherwise. But really, it’s about getting together, enjoying each other’s company and being grateful for everything that mum has and continues to do for us. And also my grandmother who passed away in 2020, we think about her all the time”.
That’s why Jan recognises the importance of gifts that have meaning, particularly this Mother’s Day, “We aren’t huge gift givers in terms of material stuff, everyone can get what they need themselves and we have all that we need really. So, for us it’s about the time we spend together”.
While Jan will soon be celebrating her new baby with her family, an extremely special gift of life, her connection to Plan International Australia and our mission to better the rights of girls and women is why Gifts of Hope is so important. These are gifts that really can go the distance to help transform lives and make necessary change.
Jan’s hope for Mother’s Day and beyond is to see the change we all believe is possible. “I hope principally, that we can live in a more equal world. I’d love to see a future where girls are educated in the same way boys are, all around the world. And where the same opportunities are afforded to them as boys are. Where they can pursue their dreams and actually truly believe that it is possible for them”.
Mother’s day gift ideas
Do you have an important woman in your life you would like to celebrate this Mother’s Day? Buy them a Gift of Hope and you’ll be giving a gift that celebrates them and helps a family in need.