The Power of Mamas: Creating a Safe Haven for Canadian Families

The Power of Mamas: Creating a Safe Haven for Canadian Families

Living in poverty is far from easy. Poverty affects every aspect of life, and when coupled with the stress of caring for a family, it can seem insurmountable—mothers know this perhaps best of all.

Millions of families in Canada grapple with poverty—Statistics Canada reported that over 10 per cent of citizens live under the poverty line. As more and more Canadian families face poverty and seeking support seems to yield no results, where can a mother go?

Mamas for Mamas, a national charitable organization, recognizes this pressing issue and stands at the forefront of a critical mission: to support mothers and caregivers facing poverty-related struggles.

Committed to offering more than just a temporary fix, their innovative approach aims to provide immediate relief and create lasting change in the systems that perpetuate cycles of hardship. And it’s not just for moms in the traditional sense—with an inclusive vision that extends to caregivers of all gender identities, Mamas for Mamas envisions a future where no Mama or child is left behind.

A community that cares

When struggling families enter the doors of Mamas for Mamas, they find more than just material support. In these caring community hubs, the organization fosters a warm, welcoming environment where both mothers and their children feel secure. In the Karma Market, an offering unique to the organization, kindness is the only currency required—families access clothing, shoes, seasonal wear, and crucial baby essentials. Mama for Mama's intake process also facilitates access to formula, diapers, and baby furniture. Additionally, Mamas for Mamas provides vital support in navigating resources for food security, affordable housing, education, and mental health counselling, all at no cost to those who qualify. Families receive preventative and intervention-based poverty relief through resource coordination and sharing economies.

When crisis strikes, Mamas for Mamas steps up. When British Columbia’s communities were distressed by wildfires, Mamas for Mamas took their work to the next level, rallying support and donations to share their support. Donations were used to aid evacuees spanning the Okanagan, Shuswap, Kamloops, Red Deer, and the Northwest Territories, covering an astounding 49,751 square kilometres. In addition to supporting frontline workers like firefighters and RCMP, Mamas for Mamas extended a helping hand to Temporary Foreign Farm Workers, who were left vulnerable when the wildfires left them unemployed or in unsafe work environments. True to their mission, the organization was there for Canadian families—a testament to the power of Mamas.

A Night In Old Hollywood Gala: A Night to Remember

This November, Mamas for Mamas is proud to present the "A Night In Old Hollywood" gala on Saturday, November 4th, at the Delta Grand by Marriott, in partnership with Doak Shirreff Lawyers LLP. Hosted by dynamic duo Jillian Harris and Casey Clarke, this event promises an unforgettable evening, complete with a delicious four-course meal, fine wine, and a night of entertainment and auctions. More than just a glamorous affair, this gala aims to raise funds, awareness, and the standard of care for those facing poverty. As the Mamas put it, this event seeks not only to raise funds but to “raise the bar on how we treat each other.”

It’s hard enough being a parent without the stress of clothing or food insecurity, lack of appropriate mental health care, and everything else that can easily fall through the cracks in our busy society. In all areas of need, Mamas for Mamas provides support in a community that cares.

You can play a part in creating caring communities nationwide. Together, we can build a future where no Mama or child is left behind. Learn more and donate at mamasformamas.org