We find ourselves in a time that requires each of us to get very creative (very quickly!) in both life and business, and to rethink the way we have always done things as we work to define our new normal. For BabyGoRound, a big part of this means developing new systems for collecting gear, as the previous systems we depended on are no longer possible. 

With sustainability and the future in mind, we know we need to take further steps in order to make up for the loss of gear donations we have experienced over the past several weeks. Our $10k In 10 Days fundraiser was an incredible milestone to have hit, and we are actively working to make these funds go as far as they possibly can. We hope the amazing support we received during this initiative is an indicator of how our community will continue to rally and support families in need alongside us!

Another measure we will be implementing is to begin Contactless Gear Collection at our Kingsway facility on Saturdays for the next several weeks. This will be from 10am – 2pm, beginning on April 18 and run for the several Saturdays following. As many businesses have adopted this system to continue providing services safely during this time, we hope it will prove as successful for us as well, and ultimately the families we serve.

Do you have gear that you can donate? 

Here’s what drop off will look like:

• • • Have gear donations organized and ready in your vehicle
    • Drive through the alley to the back entrance of our facility – just off of Bursill Street, you will see the BabyGoRound van
    • If there is someone else dropping off items, stop and remain in your vehicle until they have left
    • If there is no one else dropping off gear, get out of your vehicle and place your items in the large cloth bins against the building
    • A BabyGoRound team member will be on site, maintaining appropriate social distancing
    • That’s it! 

After gear is collected, we will hold all donations at our facility for a full week, at which point we will clean and disinfect all gear before bundling and redistributing to families. We are hopeful that, with your support, we can rebuild supplies and restore our services as soon as possible. Our families cannot wait weeks and months and we do not intend to let them. Welcoming a new baby home can be stressful under the best of circumstances, and these are not the best of circumstances, so we urge you again that we need your support more than ever! If you are able to help in any way, please do.

As we will have less capacity to go through gear to check for complete parts, a gentle reminder to please ensure gear is coming with all pieces included upon purchase and in excellent, clean condition. At this time, we will not be accepting cribs or clothing.

Please share this call out for gear donations with those you know who may also have items to donate! Your voice helps so much — we know this for certain because we’ve seen what happens when you use it! We are big, big fans of YOU and love doing this work alongside you!

Thank you for your continued support as we navigate this uncharted territory together! If you have any questions, please email us at info@babygoround.ca. We would love to connect with you.