Latest News

Show your support for mothers this International Women’s Day by visiting McArthurGlen Designer Outlet and donating funds or items to the local branch of non-profit Mamas for Mamas.

Photo courtesy McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport

Local non-profit and mall partnering for International Women’s Day

By Hannah Scott, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Published 2:24 PST, Fri March 4, 2022

—

With International Women’s Day coming up on March 8, it’s a great time of year to give back to women in need.

A partnership between the local branch of national non-profit Mamas for Mamas and McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport encourages people to show support for mothers and caregivers in crisis. The shopping centre will provide complimentary flowers and inspirational quotes this Sunday (March 6) between noon and 4 p.m. People are encouraged to donate to Mamas for Mamas, with McArthurGlen matching donations up to $500.

“We envision a world where no mama, child, or family is left behind,” says Celena Arthur, the director of funding development and community engagement at the local Mamas for Mamas branch on Horseshoe Way. “We love the Richmond community (and) want to be central to families that need us most.”

Founded in a Kelowna garage in 2015, Mamas for Mamas aims to support mothers and use kindness as currency. The organization was given a boost when television personality Jillian Harris came onboard to help founder Shannon Christensen. Now there are 53 Mamas for Mamas chapters across Canada.

Services include programs for young mothers and people impacted by natural disasters, counselling sessions, an Indigenous support program, and a birthday party program that provides gifts for those in financial need. An in-office “karma market” offers essentials like formula, diapers, and clothing.

“The in-office experience is truly one of the things that we always say ‘when in doubt, come to Mamas’,” says Arthur.

There are no age or income barriers to access Mamas for Mamas’ services—the intake form simply asks why someone is seeking assistance. Supports are also available for refugees and newcomers to Canada.

As a non-profit, the organization is not funded by government, although it makes use of grants when they are available.

“We’re mostly funded by grants, but there are lots of private donors and fundraisers that keep us going as well as our community that rallies and donates,” says Arthur.

Mamas for Mamas seeks to spread support and empowerment, as well as showing love and self-worth.

“If you feel empowered, loved, and worthy, there’s so many chances you’ll want to do something for another woman,” says Arthur. “We want everyone to feel equal.”

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the organization is standing strong and continuing to provide assistance to moms, kids, and families in need. Those who donate can choose which program they want to support.i

McArthurGlen has a scannable QR code online (and on-site Sunday) leading to the Mamas for Mamas website, where people can donate. People can also bring product donations to the outlet mall and get a 10 per cent discount code for shopping.

“Coming out and supporting and learning about us is what we would really love,” says Arthur.

To learn more about Mamas for Mamas, click here. To learn more about the McArthurGlen event, click here.