Founded in 2015 as a grassroots organization to connect moms and share resources through a Facebook page, Mamas for Mamas has grown into a registered non-profit organization with 20,000 members locally, and has encouraged the expansion of over 54 other chapters across Canada. Mamas for Mamas offers poverty relief and mental health services to mothers, caregivers and their children, experiencing varying levels of poverty. Our mission is to change the landscape of poverty through innovative approaches to financial barriers faced by struggling families. By embracing their philosophy of ‘giving a hand up, not a hand out’, the Mamas team is able to address gaps in food security through their sustainable nourishment program which includes fresh eggs, fruit and vegetables, that they grow themselves on a half acre farm. Last year, we distributed over 2,000 food hampers through this program with produce and eggs from their volunteer-run farm. Over 4,000 moms and families took advantage of their at-risk services program providing 1 to 1 support with a social worker and donation coordinator to help them overcome the impact of poverty on their lives. With only a small number of paid staff members, it is our vibrant team of 186 volunteers, that keep this organization going. These volunteers range in age from tots who help weed their garden plot to a 92 year old woman who assists with the Karma Market – the free store filled with clothing, toiletries and necessities for those in need. In 2018, they volunteered a total of 14,560 hours.