347 new cute puppies in Hafnarfjörður in 2022
As of 1 January 2022, all newborns in Hafnarfjörður have received congratulations and a card from their home town, informing them that a symbolic gift, a so-called 'baby basket', awaits them on the children's floor of the Hafnarfjörður Library. The initiative has been well received; 347 cards have been sent out and a large proportion of parents have collected the gift.
Hello Hafnarfjörður – parents have welcomed the initiative
As of 1 January 2022, all newborns in Hafnarfjörður have received a congratulatory message and a card from their home town, informing them that a symbolic gift, a so-called 'cuddle basket', awaits them in the children's section of the Hafnarfjörður Public Library. The initiative has been well received; 347 cards have been sent out and a large proportion of parents have collected the gift. The gift is part of an effort to further establish Hafnarfjörður as a family-friendly community, with a lovely present and information about the services available to the whole family within the town.
This cutie is one of 347 who were born in Hafnarfjörður in 2022. Rakel Dís Steinsdóttir was born at the beginning of 2022.
Decision on content based on usability, gender neutrality and environmental considerations
The cuddle hamper contains baby clothes, a cuddly toy and two books, one for the parents and the other for the baby to read. The items are a onesie, a hat, socks and a bib, bearing the slogan 'Hello Hafnarfjörður'. The choice of clothing was based on practicality, gender neutrality and environmental considerations, and is reviewed at the end of each year in line with the occasion and the spirit of the times. The Children's Department at Hafnarfjörður Library was considered the perfect place for the gift's presentation, as the library offers excellent facilities for reading, education, relaxation, chatting and socialising for new parents and all age groups. The postcard also features a QR code that directs parents to a dedicated information page on the city's website, with information in both Icelandic and English about the services and opportunities available to children and families in Hafnarfjörður. Information on the town's museums, walking routes, playgrounds, interesting places in Hafnarfjörður, day-care providers, nurseries, events and more useful information, as Hafnarfjörður is a sea of opportunities for health, experience and entertainment for all age groups.
The cuddle hamper contains clothes for the baby, a cuddly toy and two books.
An initiative that calls for good flow and collaboration
The Wasps, innovation and vocational training for people with disabilities, play a major role in the implementation of the 'Cute Basket'. The wasps receive the contents of the gift, handle the packing in a gift box and deliver the gifts to the library, where the library staff take them over and arrange for their delivery to parents. Monthly, the City of Hafnarfjörður's service department runs a list of newborn residents, posts cards and is involved in the production of promotional material, purchasing and other decisions in collaboration with the Department of Family and Child Affairs and the Department of Services and Development. The 'Cute Basket' thus requires good coordination and collaboration between at least five departments within the town, and has not only delighted new parents but also created additional employment opportunities and a variety of projects for the Wasps.
Several departments of the City of Hafnarfjörður are involved in the implementation of the Cuddle Cup. The Wasps play the biggest role, along with representatives from the customer service and the library.