PEI

Island Mothers Helping Mothers using social media to help those in need

A group called Island Mothers Helping Mothers is making good use of social media to help those in need.
Island Mothers Helping Mothers organizer Sarah Stewart-Clark visits with Ellen Campbell, a mother helped by the group, (CBC)

A group called Island Mothers Helping Mothers is making good use of social media to help those in need.

The Facebook group connects mothers with mothers to offer food, clothing and friendship.

Colleen Larder says it is an amazing feeling to help others as she gathered items to help a single mother in need. 

"I have never met her, I may never meet her, but I know she is going to be very thankful, and I wish I was there, especially on Thanksgiving today. This is a real special time and that I was able to help out, I feel like a million dollars," said Larder. 

"We're all there to help out." 

Island mothers helping mothers

9 years ago
Duration 1:22
P.E.I. mothers are using social media to help other mothers who may need assistance with a variety of things

The items Larder gathered were picked up by Sarah Stewart-Clark. She runs the Facebook group with another Island mom named Emily Heaney.

Since starting the group a year ago, it now has over 2,500 members. 

"Emily and I are passionate about what we do, we don't want any mother on PEI to feel isolated and alone," said Stewart-Clark. 

"We've in some ways lost our sense of community and this site is wanting to bring that back together and we're using social media to do it."

Stewart-Clark lives in Nova Scotia but makes regular trips to P.E.I. to collect and deliver things like food, clothing and toys. 

"When you have an avenue to pull those items out and connect with people in your community and donate them, it really is changing people's lives." 

Stewart-Clark met up with a friend Monday she met through the group. 
 
Ellen Campbell says being part of the group has changed her life. 

"There's an amazing lady who I'm friends with now. She bought me some fresh fruit and veggies and meats," said Campbell. 

"After that we still met up for coffee and chatted, we have a lot in common. You're not just receiving stuff and giving stuff, you're making new friends too." 

The group administrators invite anyone interested in helping Island children to join the group.