Chebucto Family Centre calls for stroller donations to help families in need

A resource centre in Spryfield, Nova Scotia seeks second-hand strollers for families in need.

The Chebucto Family Centre in the Spryfield area of Halifax provides a variety of resources for families – everything from prenatal programs, parenting support, childcare, and daily essentials. The non-profit has been helping families since 1887.

“It’s really families, community members, we have parents, new moms, older moms and the whole gamut and we also have a really active seniors community that come here, there are a lot of unhoused people that come that need support,” says Cynthia Maclean, director of programs for the Chebucto Family Centre.

The organization has seen a growth in the need for its services as child poverty rates in the community remain high.

“Spryfield is one of the communities with the highest poverty rates in Nova Scotia for children so this centre is really vital for our community, we really need as much support as we can,” adds Maclean.

The centre is always taking donations, whether it’s diapers, wipes, car seats or funds, but one thing it’s in need of and is calling for help with is strollers.

“We have about 10 families that are on our list for strollers, so we are hoping that with our call we will be able to get enough to support those families on our list right now,” says Laurie Jaudry, the centre’s community outreach coordinator.

The centre says the families it cares for are struggling to put food on the table, let alone purchase toys, clothes and strollers, so community help makes all the difference.

“A lot of our families that have not gotten strollers are not able to leave their home because they either don’t have a car seat or a stroller, or they don’t have a car or another way to get out. So, they either have to carry all of their children and walk on these icy sidewalks or rely on friends and family to bring them car seats so they can get out with their kids,” adds Jaudry.

So far, the centre has only received one stroller donation and is looking for more. If people are able to donate a stroller or other items like diapers, car seats or family essentials, they can drop them off at the Chebucto Family Centre or can call.

Financial donations are also welcomed so the centre can purchase in-demand items.

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