Central Alberta’s Mamas for Mamas is heading into 2022 on a roll.
After starting out in Red Deer two years ago as a Facebook group with about 200 members, the Red Deer and area branch now has 2,000 members, newly donated office space and has launched a host of local programs, including a Christmas hamper initiative to help 28 families this season.
The community-based charitable organization’s goal is to collect, donate or lend items and services to help make life easier for low-income families.
Catherine Wilson and her sister Cara Horsley have headed the local branch since last spring and oversee its programs and about a dozen volunteers. Wilson, a mother-of-two is a doula who provides support to women and their families during pregnancy, childbirth and the post-partum period. Horsley, a mother herself, brings her experience as a social worker with Red Deer Public Schools.
Their backgrounds mean they have a lot of insight into what programs are available and where there are unmet needs.
“We do have a lot of programs but a lot of (potential clients) don’t meet the stipulations or are just above the low-income threshold so we can sort of step in and fill the gaps there.”
The local branch got a big boost recently when a local benefactor offered to loan them office space for December and January.
After meeting the women, their benefactor, who wants to remain anonymous, was so impressed by Mamas for Mamas she offered them space for a year and sponsored two Christmas hampers.
“We were floored. What a great gesture,” said Wilson. “It was such a nice thing because now we can do so much more.
“The community involvement has been really nice to see.”
The support now means they have a place to prepare their Christmas hampers and later it will become a place where they can gather donated items and distribute them to those in need in central Alberta.
Mamas for Mamas aims to work collaboratively with other organizations and agencies and their programs. Among Mamas for Mamas programs is a sustainable nourishment initiative that provides food or grocery store gift cards to those struggling to put enough food on the table.
An at-risk comprehensive program includes the Christmas hamper program but will also provide help to people with other needs, such as school supplies. A dental fund offers financial help to those not covered by other programs. One of their most recent initiatives is a birthday program in partnership with Toys R Us, providing gifts, either for youngsters themselves or to give to friends so they do not feel left out at parties. Birthday supplies are also available.
Mamas for Mamas was started by Kelowna’s Shannon Christenson, who formed a Facebook group in 2014 to give away baby clothes, strollers and other accessories and to create a community to meet other mothers. By 2017, she had invested an inheritance in her dream project and was registered as a national charity.
There are branches in Ontario, B.C. and, in Alberta, Calgary and Red Deer.
Earlier this year, Christenson was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal, one of Canada’s highest civilian honours by the Governor General for her work with her award-winning charity.
Wilson says local branch volunteers are already thinking of what they can do next. “In the new year, we’ve got a few other ideas we want to try to implement as well, once we’ve got Christmas behind us.”
The boom in Facebook group members has shown them just how much support there is in the community. There are now routinely 50 to 75 posts a day from people offering to pass on items to others, including everything from gift cards and beds to diapers and food.
“Peer-to-peer support is something we really like to encourage. It’s nice to have that online support.”
The Facebook group remains private so those interested must request to join. It is moderated by Mamas for Mamas national group. The Red Deer and area branch also has an Instagram, where partnerships and promotions are advertised.