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PHOTOS: Mamas for Mamas gets a special visit from Justin Trudeau

It was a special day for the local Mamas for Mamas non-profit organization. The now-national organization has been all-hands-on-deck helping those affected by the wildfires.

And making a special stop to the main office in Kelowna today was Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

<who> Photo Credit: NowMedia/Corvin Vaski“I am feeling overwhelmed in the most wonderful way that a little grassroots organization like Mamas for Mamas, that was born in Kelowna, is getting federal attention for the work that we do,” said founder and national director Shannon Christensen.

The charity has had their doors wide open to evacuees and have been making deliveries with all sorts of essential items, while at the same time accepting and sorting donations.

<who> Photo Credit: NowMedia/Corvin Vaski

“It's been wild. It is hard to explain, but it's like the first few days of having a baby. You know, you make a plan and nothing really sticks to it,” said Christensen.

To add to the week being “wild," their new Karma Market, located at the corner of Dayton Street and Dolphin Avenue, just down the street from their main office, opened a month early.

“We hadn't planned on opening the new Karma Market for another month or so, our bathroom still isn't working, our kitchen still isn't put together…but we needed to just jump into action and make sure that we had the supplies ready for the families," explained Christensen.

<who> Photo Credit: NowMedia/Corvin Vaski</who> Shannon Christensen talking to Ella and Justin Trudeau

The Prime Minister made a stop to the Westbank First Nations building and the West Kelowna Fire Hall this morning, before making his way across the bridge to Kelowna.

<who> Photo Credit: NowMedia/Corvin Vaski

Countless volunteers were on hand as they prepared to load a van with supplies. All in the meantime loading up another car with other essentials and helping those in need who stopped by.

Prime Minister Trudeau arrived with a tote bin of donations, including diapers and granola bars, stopping to give Christensen a hug.

<who> Photo Credit: NowMedia/Corvin Vaski</who> Ella Trudeau hugs Shannon Christensen

“Having Justin Trudeau come to show that appreciation himself means the absolute world to me and to our team and to our community,” said Christensen.

Everyone then got to work loading the van. When complete, the smiles were big on everyone’s faces as they introduced themselves and spoke with Trudeau, sharing the odd hug.

<who> Photo Credit: NowMedia/Corvin Vaski

With the visit over, it is back to business for Mamas for Mamas, supplying the local community with basic necessities.

“Everything we would normally have at our disposal in our home was needed, and we were able to accept those donations, process them and get them out to people as quickly as possible,” explained Christensen.

More information on the local charity can be found online at this link.

If in need, there is an application online, or you can stop by the Karma Market that is open 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday, 10 am to 3 pm on Saturdays, and by-appointment outside of those hours.

<who> Photo Credit: NowMedia/Corvin Vaski

To end off the day, not only was Trudeau expressing his gratitude, but also the Mamas for Mamas founder, Shannon Christensen, was.

“This team who has stepped up to help the helpers, they inspire me daily and they just make me want to be the best I can be for them every day.”



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