Calgary non-profit Mamas for Mamas sees demand for holiday hampers triple
The Calgary branch of a Canadian non-profit says applications for its holiday hampers have tripled this year amid the COVID pandemic.
Mamas for Mamas Calgary is hoping to lift the spirts of dozens of families this Christmas through its holiday hamper program.
The hampers contain toys, clothing and diapers, and are gifted to families who might not otherwise have anything under their tree on Christmas morning.
In 2020, the group put together fewer than 50 hampers, but says this year they've received more than 140 applications.
“Everyone needs help," said Kendra Smith, Mamas for Mamas Calgary fundraising and community engagement coordinator. "It could be your co-workers or the people helping you in the grocery store."
Mamas for Mamas Calgary chief operating officer Megan Moore says dropping off the hampers gives staff the goosebumps.
"A few of us have cried, a few of us have gotten hugs. We just feel so grateful that we get to support these families in need," Moore said.
Mamas for Mamas Calgary partners with other local charities to provide support and run programs all year round.
Despite the name, officials says the non-profit provides support to anyone in need.
In the New Year, the organization is opening up a store in the city that will allow families in need to come in and shop for free.
Mamas for Mamas Calgary says the store will be stocked with everything that families might need, including food, diapers, strollers and other supplies.
The non-profit it will also be providing mental health services to families in need and will be running the program on a “pay what you can” model.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Maple Leafs eliminated from NHL playoffs with Game 7 OT loss to Bruins
Sheldon Keefe told his players hockey history would remember them one way or another.
Amid climate change warnings, Canadians lukewarm on electric vehicles
Amid scientists' warnings that nations need to transition away from fossil fuels to limit climate change, Canadians are still lukewarm on electric vehicles, according to a study conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News.
What a judge's gag order on Trump means in his hush money case
A gag order bars Trump from commenting publicly on witnesses, jurors and some others connected to the matter. The New York judge already has found that Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, repeatedly violated the order, fined him US$9,000 and warning that jail could follow if he doesn't comply.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Pro-Palestinian protesters at USC comply with school order to leave their encampment
Protesters left a pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Southern California early Sunday after they were surrounded by police and told they could face arrest if they didn’t go.
Trudeau 'absolutely' best person to lead the Liberals in next election: LeBlanc says
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc insists he's not planning a leadership campaign to head the Liberal party, should current leader and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resign, seemingly quashing rumours he's planning to make a move for his boss' job.
Bombarded with spam texts? Stats show the problem is getting worse in Canada
In particular, messages that involve phishing — an attack where a scammer tries to trick the recipient into clicking a malicious link, downloading malware or sharing sensitive information — are on the rise.
Madonna's biggest-ever concert transforms Rio's Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor
Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro's vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans.