Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre needs more drivers to deliver much-needed hampers

A local community centre is in need of help as they work to feed families impacted by the pandemic.

Kaylie Jardiner says Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre's (Ma Mawi) Volunteer Coordinator, says every day they are packing anywhere from 200 to 500 hampers, set to be delivered to families across the city to help keep them healthy and fed all week long.

"These are families with young children that are in need," Jardiner says "If you are a single parent you can't be going out shopping. Financially people are in a harder situation due to the pandemic, so these boxes being free is really nice and they receive enough food to survive the whole week."

The organization has been around for decades, now doing work such as combating sex trafficking and reconciliation.

As the need continues, Ma Mawi is finding themselves in a position where they need more help delivering the hampers. Currently, the centre has hired staff to drive, but Jardiner is in need of dedicated volunteers.

"From everything I have heard, people love it. Typically there is not a "one and done" type of volunteer once they start. It is really validating so they continue to come back," Jardiner says. "It doesn't take a lot of time and you feel so good fr doing such as good thing, and I think that has carried with our staff and our volunteers."

Often volunteers will end their shift having "big conversations" with families, developing relationships with people in the communities, or having mother/daughter bonding time.

She says some volunteers help as much as three times a week.

"It is really validating to be in a position to create these hampers, hand them out, and have that response from people receiving them. They are very grateful and this is needed throughout the city. I am really happy that Ma Mawi is able to be part of it."

The program will be running throughout the summer.