Founded in 2012, BabyGoRound is the only organization in BC. We are dedicated to providing families in need with everything they need to safely care for their babies
The Santos family don't know where they would be without Metro A Vancouver charity that provides recycled baby clothes and gear.
"We needed help," Eduardo Santos said this week.
So it was with gratitude and relief that I was introduced toBabyGoRound.is a charity that donates clothes, toys and other essentials for babies.
But the shelves at the East He charity's Kinsway storefront in Vancouver are empty.
"We are facing an alarming shortage right now," said BabyGoRound Executive Her Director Lisa Brooke. "We are usually short on almost every item we provide for families." We have partnered with families in need from all over Metro Vancouver.
In ten years, he has distributed 1,775 strollers, 1,020 nursing chairs, 2,540 cribs and bassinets, and 3,035 diaper packages to 1,130 households.
This charity was founded by Jennifer Randall Nelson. He's the mother of her three children and came up empty after looking for a place to donate her own baby supplies to other mothers with her newborns. and children up to 2 years old.
"She wanted to give it to a family member who didn't have the funds to buy it, but she looked around and realized there was no organization in Canada that had actually done that. ''
Brooke said it was still the only such organization in BC.
"There are many organizations that can provide one or two parts, but we offer people a complete kit so they can get everything in one go and have a baby around 2 years old.
Normally, if a charity is in short supply of an item, it just buys it, but supply chain issues make it difficult to find what the item is. It may not arrive for months. Babies can grow big during that time. What we are doing is the wave of new families coming to Canada without a support network in Vancouver. This includes many Ukrainians.
"When people donate gear to us, it's not just gear, it's imbued with a cherished memory," Brooke said. "When they hand it over to BabyGoRound, that gear will be given new life and delivered to families facing their greatest challenges.
"And brighter for babies and their families. Beginnings and new memories are born.”
Four families were scheduled to receive bassinets on Thursday, but BabyGoRound was sold out Wednesday morning.
"Families tell us their heartbreak is when they realize they can't provide everything their child needs, what their baby needs," Brooke said. "It takes tremendous courage and vulnerability to come forward and say 'I need help.'
"As an organization, as a community, we can't tell them. 'We can't help you' or 'I can only provide half of what you need' or 'I can only see you two weeks after the baby arrives.'
Santos, his wife Lillian, and infant Edward, arrived in Vancouver in January for a new job started by Eduardo. Did. At the time, Lillian was 32 weeks pregnant.
Baby Her Claire was born just a week before her family in Brazil was eligible for a health care plan. The Santos family witnessed his nearly $15,000 delivery fee, a life-saving savings.
"You are a parent and you know when your children need something that you cannot buy or provide. Receiving something like this makes them feel comfortable." ' said Santos, and Claire gently bounced on a nearby bouncy chair.
``You are far from your family. You don't know the dynamics of the city.
The charity serves women, single mothers, teens and recovering moms fleeing domestic violence, as well as recent immigrants and refugees.
"We really need these donations right now. We need them next week, we need them next year. Gear always needs to come in through the door," Brooke said. For more information on how to donate
items or money visitbabyground.ca. There is a donation day on Friday in August. 12, between 10am and 2pm. 2939 Kingsway.
gordmcintyre@postmedia.com
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