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
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.