Shannon Christensen has seen her Mamas for Mamas grow significantly in recent years.

(ROB MUNRO / iNFOnews.ca)

Mamas for Mamas' fifth annual gala was a hit and local families in need will reap the benefits.

Through sponsorships, an online auction and live auction, Mamas for Mamas were able to smash a goal of $250,000 and raised $300,000 at the 5th annual Mamas for Mamas Doak Shirreff LLP gala.

“Poverty isn’t their issue, poverty is our issue, it is everyone’s issue. Poverty affects us economically, socially, personally and politically," founder and CEO of Mamas, Shannon Christensen said. "The truth is we just can’t afford to ignore the impact poverty has on our neighbours, and on our community as a whole. One in five children live in absolute poverty right here in Kelowna, we can do better.”

Funds raised from this incredible evening will support The Mamas At-Risk program. This resource navigation and specialized relief program has already served just over 6,000 families in 2018, up from 3,998 in 2018. This rapidly growing program supports mothers, fathers and families in crisis who are facing homelessness, hunger and poverty-related issues and the need continues to grow.

Mamas for Mamas is a national charitable organization that supports mothers and caregivers in crisis by providing ongoing support to individuals and families facing various poverty-related struggles.

The most recent statistics from Citizens for Public Justice report that 5.8 million people in Canada, or 16.8 per cent, live in poverty. 

Mamas provide a space where families feel safe and comfortable when they come in for poverty relief support. They refer to all existing community programs when available and fill the gaps in service when the need is higher than the resources available.

At the head office in Kelowna, they offer a Karma Market where struggling families can access anything they need at no cost; the only currency they request is, kindness to your fellow neighbour. In the free store, they provide clothing, shoes, seasonal wear, and through our intake process Mamas can also access formula, diapers, baby furniture and gear. They also offer individualized help navigating the available resources for food security, affordable housing, education and access to their in-house mental health team where counselling is available at no cost for those who qualify. 

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