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Jennifer Fast has taken the philosophy “It takes a village to raise a child” to heart. Two years ago, the full-time mom of three boys launched an organization that gives birthday gift packs to kids who live in second-stage housing, a place where children and moms who have escaped abuse can live safely together for up to a year. The gift packs are an initiative that is also educating the community about domestic violence.
After she partnered with a local second-stage housing initiative, Jennifer founded Birthday Buddies Inc. and set to work putting together gift packs based on children’s wish lists. Each pack includes a cake, candles, a card, balloons and small gifts, as well as a few personal items. Now in its second year, Birthday Buddies, which Jennifer runs on a volunteer basis, has provided gift packs to more than 60 kids. “Knowing that the gift packs are coming takes a huge burden off the moms during such a stressful time in their lives,” she says. “It allows them to truly share in the excitement and anticipation of their child’s birthday.”
Initially, Jennifer relied on the generosity of family and friends to fund her venture, but last year she started knocking on doors of local schools and small businesses, speaking about abuse and asking for donations. “Domestic violence was not something this community was talking about,” she says. “I have been glad to heighten awareness of its effect on the lives of mothers and their children.”
The community has warmly embraced her efforts. Schools donate their fund-raising proceeds, strangers spot her in hockey arenas and pull out their cheque books, and kids make items such as beaded bracelets to include in the birthday kits. “I have learned that there are so many wonderful people in the community that want to help,” she says.
Jennifer’s Me to We Award money will help establish Birthday Buddies Inc. branch offices in Calgary, Brandon, Man., and other cities across Canada. For more information, visit www.birthdaybuddies.ca.
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