Good morning! Today I’m sharing a story that is so close to my heart. For those of you who don’t know, I got introduced to an organization called Mamas for Mamas roughly eight years ago and I instantly fell in love with it because it’s so grassroots and purpose-driven. Mamas for Mamas, founded by Shannon Christensen, a mom and trauma counsellor, is an organization that helps low-income mamas and families that fall between the cracks when it comes to government aid and funding. Mamas for Mamas also provides all kinds of support, nutrition advice, counselling, baby staples, career guidance, etc. to those in our community who need it most. I have seen firsthand how they immediately step up to support those in our local community. Many of these folks who need support do not have the bandwidth, energy or resources to jump through all the hoops that so many people have to deal with at other organizations. At Mamas for Mamas, you walk through the door, tell them what you need, and they step up, and get it done. As somebody who loves giving back, but has always struggled with finding the right places to donate to, I love how at Mamas for Mamas you can directly see how your donations positively impact our community. As a new mom (when I first discovered Mamas) that was so special to me, and showed me that this organization was not like the rest.
Mamas for Mamas started as a clothing swap in Shannon’s garage and a Facebook group where moms gave each other everything they needed at no cost. Using kindness as currency, they have grown to be so much more, supporting hundreds of thousands of families across the country in clinical and community programming.
If you’re new to my blog, back in 2017, Team Jilly and I supported the organization by helping renovate the Mamas for Mamas headquarters in Kelowna. What started as the team asking me to pick out paint colours for the office, turned into a full-blown renovation. This was a MASSIVE undertaking and between the lost sleep, sweat and tears it was all worth it in the end when we had the opportunity to show the Mamas for Mamas team what our community had graciously done to give back to THEM. You can watch the renovation video here! Trust me… you may need a tissue (or a whole box) for this one.
The organization has grown exponentially, with chapters all over Canada now. They’ve given back in so many impactful ways, for example when the devastating fires hit Kelowna in Summer 2023, Mamas for Mamas was right there supporting our community and doing anything they could to help before, during, and after formal relief services were offered.
The sad part of this whole story is that over the years, as Shannon was so selflessly giving back to the community, she was putting her life, her health, her family and home on the back burner. After giving all she had to this incredible organization and facing multiple unprecedented events in the world, Shannon felt the strain herself as a mom and entrepreneur and knew something had to change. When she shared with me that she was moving to the Island to simplify life, spend more time with her kids and to take care of not only her family but herself, she asked me if I would help pick out paint colours for her home… which is originally how I got introduced to Mamas in the first place. We had come full circle.
When I showed up at Shannon’s home, it made me realize that as much as she had been stepping up for our community over the years, we failed to support her as much as she deserved. Knowing that Shannon wanted to sell her house in order to get a fresh start, I felt like this was a meaningful opportunity to use my platform and connections in the community to do some good and help a family that has supported so many others across the country.
I teamed up with Chuck Cullen, a “semi-retired” General Contractor, who generously donated his time above and beyond the “Jilly X Chuck renovation package” bought and donated by Brent Marshall, to manage a bigger than expected renovation project at Shannon’s house. I connected Chuck and Shannon with various businesses and individuals from our area who have since contributed to the renovation. All of these vendors generously donated their time, resources and skills to complete this project!
Now, Shannon’s house is beautiful, clean, organized and ready to put up for sale. Without the amazing team who stepped up to help, Shannon may not have had the means to do what she needs to support her own family and her wellbeing.
I want to give a shoutout below to each vendor who worked on this project… there are some truly amazing people in our community. Plus… scroll to the bottom for the before and after photos!
The incredible Mamas for Mamas team deserves a shoutout as well! Lindsay Hammond stepped into Shannon’s shoes throughout this project, along with Melissa, and the entire team were very supportive. They are such a special group of humans who really had this mama’s back when she needed it the most.
Vendors / The Team
Chuck Cullen – Red Seal Contractor
Chuck, who is the official Mamas for Mamas’ Handyman and Shannon’s neighbour, donated his expertise to the project as a contractor which was invaluable, contributing nearly $20,000 worth of time to effectively complete the renovation project. He spent countless hours making sure that the next owners of this home will have nothing to do but unpack their boxes when they get their keys. Chuck seriously went above and beyond to ensure the job was done properly and perfectly and was always happy to patiently teach whoever was helping along the way.
Brent Marshall – Commercial Real Estate Agent, Business Finders Canada & 2017 Honourary Mama
Brent Marshall from Business Finders Canada, rung in the title of biggest donor for Mamas for Mamas in 2023. This was, in part, due to bidding everyone out of the Jilly x Chuck renovation live auction item for $10k. He bought it with the plan to help a mama who needed a hand up, and was really excited to be part of this meaningful project to help get Big Mama’s groove back. Showing the real heart behind the mission to no mama left behind; it’s often those you think have it all together who need a hand up the most.
Craig Beihl – Friend of Mamas for Mamas
None of this would have been possible without Craig and Brent’s generous donation of a skid steer and all the earthwork equipment that was needed for this project, valued at $6,000.
Benita – North Enderby Timber and Richwood
In today’s world of lumber costs, North Enderby Timber and Richwood Brand might as well have donated pallets of gold LOL. Supplying a generous amount of locally milled wood materials, they helped create several inviting living spaces through stunning accent walls and a pool deck. Benita and her team are the kindest people, running one of the most impressive sustainable, value-added lumber and sawmill operations in BC.
Stephan and Annie Mangiot – Owners – California Closets BC
California Closets joined this incredible crew and donated $25,000 worth of custom designs, including a feature wall with a fireplace and a stunning and ultra functional closet storage system in the main upstairs closet. A mama’s dream!
John Morgan III – Pro Works Painting
John and his hardworking team at Pro Works Painting transformed the home with a complete paint job, valued at $6,000. This was one of the biggest transformations in the house, the ceilings and walls were so fresh and it felt more spacious. It’s amazing what a coat of paint can do to freshen up a space!
Andrea Carle – North Okanagan Paint & Window Coverings Benjamin Moore in Vernon
Benjamin Moore Vernon contributed $8,000 worth of high-quality indoor paint and outdoor stain, which was so incredibly generous!
Katie Nesbitt – Design Consultant – Isabey Interiors
Katie’s design consulting and implementation brought priceless value to the project, she truly made the vision come to life! She created a look book, met with all the contractors and provided both emotional and design support to Shannon over the past few months.
Chris Campbell – Synthetic Turf International Kelowna
Chris, also known as “Mr. Christmas,” provided $10,000 worth of synthetic turf, adding a lush (and low-maintenance) touch to the outdoor spaces. This turned out so great.
Sam Ulasy – Margaret Valley Landscaping
The Margaret Valley Landscaping team is like family to me, and they contributed their incredible landscaping services, adding some serious curb appeal to the home, ensuring that the yard looks just as beautiful as the inside.
Dylan Christensen – Wiltech Developments, also known as Big Sexy incorporated 😂
Our landscape team had a fresh canvas thanks to few dozen hours of earth work prep from Dylan, who worked tirelessly, contributing countless hours and incredible patience, going above and beyond after long work days to help bring the renovation to completion.
Shannon Christensen & Melissa Twomey – National Directors of Program/Fund Development and Mental Health & Research at Mamas for Mamas
A hot mess express team of trauma counsellors trying desperately to be interior designers on a budget, better suited to running a charity. In all seriousness, Melissa helped to take it from day one to reveal day with Shannon- between counselling Mamas and writing research proposals. She’s true blue.
Men in Kilts Kelowna
With the house and yard now in tip top shape, we had the awesome team from Men in Kilts Kelowna come put the finishing touches on the project! They did an outstanding job cleaning the windows once the house was ready for listing, providing professional service with a personal touch… this team is so great!
Darryl Reuter – Reuter Kotler Royal LePage
The final step of putting Shannon’s home on the market was having Darryl Reuter from Reuter Kotler Royale LePage list it! Darryl, who is not only extremely talented at what he does, but very kind, waived his commission, a contribution valued at approximately $30,000.
Before
After
When we say it takes a village to raise a child, this is what we mean. When we look after the Mama, we look after the kids. These contributions played a crucial role in making the renovation a success, and we’re grateful for the support of each individual and business!
xo
Jilly
