A PURA Muse is a woman who inspires us with their content, business, work ethic, values or beliefs. This woman is aligned with the goals and motivations that we strive for each day here at PURA Botanicals (if they are already a PURA lover, it makes it all the better!). Our muse is working to elevate their community through their business, volunteerism, or their commitment to wellness, and they consistently advocate for well-being & intentional living.
THE PURA MUSE OCTOBER 2022: MAMAS FOR MAMAS MARCIE PETERSON
Mamas for Mamas is a charitable organization that "envisions a future where no Mama or child is left behind." Founded in Kelowna, it is only recently that an Edmonton chapter was formed. Once we met Marcie from Mamas For Mamas Edmonton, we knew that we had to introduce her to YOU - our PURA community. May you be inspired and moved by Marcie’s enthusiasm, dedication, and how she was able to channel a time of personal grief into a legacy of beauty and significance with Mamas for Mamas.
Please share how you personally became involved and started the Edmonton chapter of Mamas for Mamas.
When my father passed away in October 2020, I was overwhelmed with intense grief. I remember listening to Dr. Jody Carrington’s podcast, as I regularly did throughout the pandemic, and she was interviewing Mamas for Mamas founder, Shannon Christensen. Shannon’s story of losing her own father and how she transformed her own pain into the national charity of Mamas for Mamas profoundly resonated with me. It was my ‘aha’ moment - I knew that I needed to be a part of this organization. I love being a mama and I love helping others…it just made perfect sense.
What is the mission of Mamas for Mamas?
Our mission is to change the landscape of poverty through innovative approaches to financial barriers faced by struggling families. Mamas for Mamas supports mothers and caregivers in crisis by providing ongoing support to individuals and families facing various poverty-related struggles. We envision a future where no Mama or child is left behind. We offer supports such as our Free Karma Markets (essentials such as diapers, formula, clothing, and hygiene products), community resource references, social worker access, free online programs to help mamas navigate life, access to Mental Health support, and At-Risk comprehensive resource navigation. Our Edmonton branch is still growing but one day we hope to have a sustainable nourishment program like our main branch in Kelowna.
Tell us more about the impact of Mamas for Mamas in a community. What are your hopes for making a positive and supportive impact in Edmonton?
Mamas for Mamas always makes a big impact. We work collaboratively with other community organizations or social services to support people that are struggling with poverty related issues. We fill in the gaps that are not already covered by the community. One aspect other organizations are surprised to learn is that we have no income threshold to meet. We provide support by offering essential items, directing mamas to available community resources, and with supportive mental health programming.
My hopes for making a positive and supportive impact in Edmonton is to bring our community together and create deeper connections. I would like to see mamas, who have the ability to donate, to know they can bring gently used clothing, toys, or baby gear, etc. to Mamas for Mamas. I want them to be confident that we will ensure it goes to a deserving family. I would love community members who need
a hand up to know Mamas has got them and that we will support you without judgment. We will help guide you to the resources you need, in whatever situation you are facing. I would love to see businesses or potential volunteers connect with us to see how we can collaborate to support this great community of Edmonton. I would like the other charities and community organizations in Edmonton to know we are here to work alongside of them.
How can we help as mothers, families, neighbours, and businesses?
As Shannon often says, “charity does not solve poverty, community solves poverty.” This statement is so true! We can all spread awareness that Mamas for Mamas is now in Edmonton. As a community, we can come together to support one another and donate when possible. Donations of new essential products
(diapers, formula, hygiene products, shelf stable food) can be made at any Cloud Nine Pajamas locations. Donations of new or gently used items (clothing, winter clothing, baby gear, children’s toys etc.) are welcomed and you can reach out via email to arrange pick up. Anyone can join our Facebook support group to give advice, ask questions, support other parents or to post and donate items. Our
Instagram account will keep you up to date with up-and-coming events, community donation drives and ways to continue to support. Businesses can hold donation drives, donate a portion of sales for a period of time, become a donation drop off location or donate old stock they cannot sell and receive a tax donation slip. We appreciate anyone creating awareness about Mamas for Mamas through their own social media platforms. We would love to hear from any businesses wanting to collaborate and support Mamas for Mamas Edmonton - please email us at edmonton@mamasformamas.org
(diapers, formula, hygiene products, shelf stable food) can be made at any Cloud Nine Pajamas locations. Donations of new or gently used items (clothing, winter clothing, baby gear, children’s toys etc.) are welcomed and you can reach out via email to arrange pick up. Anyone can join our Facebook support group to give advice, ask questions, support other parents or to post and donate items. Our
Instagram account will keep you up to date with up-and-coming events, community donation drives and ways to continue to support. Businesses can hold donation drives, donate a portion of sales for a period of time, become a donation drop off location or donate old stock they cannot sell and receive a tax donation slip. We appreciate anyone creating awareness about Mamas for Mamas through their own social media platforms. We would love to hear from any businesses wanting to collaborate and support Mamas for Mamas Edmonton - please email us at edmonton@mamasformamas.org
How do you define wellness in your own life and what are your favourite ways to feel grounded?
Wellness in my life has several layers. I believe wellness includes physical, spiritual, and mental health. I check in with my health team regularly and as needed. Part of my spiritual wellness includes being in touch with my two, now adult, children (Jaime and Jackson) regularly. I ensure they are navigating life
well because when they are content, my soul is content. I also keep my body moving which involves a few walks per day with our beloved Golden Retriever, Finn. This is my favourite way to feel grounded and I love quietly observing the changing seasons of nature. Any chance I get I visit the serene Rocky
Mountains. There is a majestic calmness there that revives and nurtures my spirit.
*All photos by Dallas Currow
Interview and article by Marla Boehr
