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
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.
BREAKING NEWS 'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
VIDEO Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner
A sanctuary dedicated to animals with disabilities is celebrating the third birthday of one of its most popular residents.
Signs of Alzheimer’s were everywhere. Then his brain improved
Blood biomarkers of telltale signs of early Alzheimer’s disease in the brain of his patient, 55-year-old entrepreneur Simon Nicholls, had all but disappeared in a mere 14 months.
Ottawa driver who appeared to be racing another vehicle on Highway 416 facing charges
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says an Ottawa driver is facing charges after being caught going 187 km/h on Highway 416.
'It's pure joy!': B.C. pilot takes 96-year-old grandma on meaningful flight
“Good to see you,” Ryan Godard says before giving his 96-year-old grandma a big hug and walking her towards the small airplane. “Let’s get you prepped.”
Robbers made off with 'several million euros' of jewels in armed heist at Harry Winston store in Paris
Armed robbers who used a motorbike as a battering ram made off with 'several million euros' worth of valuables in a heist of the luxury Paris boutique of self-declared 'Jeweler to the Stars' Harry Winston, the French prosecutor’s office overseeing the police probe said.
Residents evacuated after threats made to residence in Fall River, N.S.
Nova Scotia RCMP are warning the public to avoid the area around Canterbury Lane in Fall River after a threat was made at a residence.
Five things to know about the NHL playoffs
Today is an off day for the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers as they prepare for Monday's winner-take-all Game 7 showdown at Rogers Arena.