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HelPaws

A NESTING STORY NON-PROFIT PARTNERSHIP

Oliver Helpaws

Adopting our dog Oliver was a life changing decision for our family. He is the sweetest and smartest dog who has a special and unique relationship with each member of our family. It baffles me to think he was found on the streets of St. Lucia as a puppy. We are forever grateful to HelPaws for rescuing Oliver and countless other puppies and all of the hard work that they do.

HelpAWS is a non-profit organization that specializes in the rescue, adoption and high volume spay and neuter of animals in St. Lucia.  Overpopulation and unwanted reproduction are at epidemic proportions on the island resulting in many animals being born into horrendous conditions.  Although HelpAWS facilitates responsible sterilization through regular high volume spay and neuter clinics, there are still way too many unwanted puppies born into dangerous situations on a daily basis.  We at HelpAWS believe that every animal has the right to lead a healthy, happy life free from abuse, neglect and cruelty.


HelpAWS was founded in 2013 by Canadian, Charlene Penney.  Since then, we have found permanent, loving homes for more than 550 animals.  We have also facilitated the spay and neuter of more than 2,000 animals on the island of St. Lucia.  HelpAWS has grown exponentially over the last few years as we have built an amazing team of volunteers who are based throughout North America.


As a private non-profit corporation, we do not receive government funding.  As such, we rely solely on donations in order to continue making a lasting difference in the lives of St. Lucian animals.  We offer many ways to donate.  Funds can be sent via e-transfer to donate@helpaws.com,  or via PayPal at www.helpaws.com/donate.  We also appreciate donations of items that are necessary for our daily operations.  These items can be purchased through our Canadian or U.S. Amazon Wishlist.  We also run various fundraising programs throughout the year, including raffles, special events, and HelpAWS swag and calendars for purchase. 


We always have puppies available for adoption.  The application process moves quickly and is simple.  Adoption applications are found on our website at www.helpaws.com/adopt.   All applications undergo an initial screening and those meeting our adoption criteria will then be contacted for a phone interview, followed by reference checks, home photos and a vet reference check.  Once approved, the adopter is notified via email and continues to remain in contact with the volunteer team as the puppy’s transportation to Canada is secured and pertinent information regarding the puppy’s routine, feeding schedule, etc. is communicated.  Our adoptive families receive all the information necessary to welcome their new family member into their lives, along with ongoing support from our team throughout the dog’s life.

Mamas for Mamas

A NESTING STORY NON-PROFIT PARTNERSHIP

Written by Rachel Grey, Mamas for Mamas Executive Resource Coordinator – Eastern Canada

When Joanna and I first connected about being a part of the Mamas movement I could have jumped up and down on my couch! I probably actually did (think Tom Cruise & Oprah Winfrey circa 2005). The reason I was so moved is because Mamas for Mamas truly is an organization build upon the kindness of others and I knew how much kindness she had to give.

Most of those working for Mamas for Mamas do that out of the goodness of their heart and selflessly donate their time to giving a hands-up to other mothers in their community. Many of these volunteers are women, and also happen to be mothers. We all share some level of common experience which allows us to give from a place of love and empathy. Whether it’s struggling to pay the bills that month, or having to decide between new clothes or a full fridge, paying for daycare, or just trying to balance the very real demands of motherhood. And that is how Mamas for Mamas continues to grow across Canada, with a vision of growing to local communities all across Canada. And I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful partnership than with Nesting Story.

I first became involved with Mamas for Mamas in 2017 after having my second child and I was home with two daughters under 3. There were so many things happening in the world. There was the continuation of the #MeToo movement, travel bans and other political travesties, and environmental disasters seemed to be hitting at record speed. And I felt like I was just sitting by. I needed to find a deeper purpose, where I could make a real impact in the lives of those around me.

I reached out to Mamas for Mamas to ask “What can I do? How can I help?” And I was afforded the opportunity to open the first remote chapters in Ontario including Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga and Brampton areas. And that was the beginning of how we have continued to grow across Canada. Every day we open new remote chapters which reside in the digital world on Facebook to help bring resources to all mothers in their community. Taking away the financial currency and replacing it with trading, swapping, borrowing, giving and donating, we have made it so “the only currency you need it kindness.” And irregardless of level of need, all mothers can access the resources they need to help reduce the financial and social burdens that can be associated with motherhood.

We have continued to grow with remote chapters in Toronto and London and are always looking for ambitious kindness ambassadors who would like to open a chapter in their local community. Additionally, in 2019 we are opening our arms to Resource Coordinators in communities across Canada who compile information about all the services in their area including sustainable nourishment, clothing, food services, housing, childcare and more so we can act as a national database for mothers needing to access resources.

We have huge plans for growth in the years to come and dream of having a bricks and mortar location in the GTA so we may replicate all the goodness that happens at our head office location in Kelowna BC with “The Karma Market” where mothers may visit and find items that they need to better provide for their families.

Every day our team grows, our vision grows and amazing brands help to support our mission. When women work together we have the power to create the most incredible vision for the future. And that is what we are doing. Putting one foot in front of the other in order to make life a little less burdensome as we navigate the realities of the juggling act we live as mamas. We often say that it “takes a village,” and this couldn’t feel any more true that being surrounded by the vision of Mamas for Mamas everyday.

Rachel Gray @femmepowerup

Executive Resource Coordinator – Eastern Canada

Mamas for Mamas

www.mamasformamas.ca @mamasformamas

How To Pack For A Conference & Free Packing Checklist

I am about to head to my tenth conference, and this week I am heading to my fifth Mom 2.0 Summit conference. Over the years I’ve really been able to … Continue reading “How To Pack For A Conference & Free Packing Checklist”

I am about to head to my tenth conference, and this week I am heading to my fifth Mom 2.0 Summit conference.

Over the years I’ve really been able to turn packing for a conference into a craft and have picked up many tips along the way. I’ve also learned hard lessons from real life situations, like forgetting all of my makeup once, so now I rely heavily on a checklist. Which you can download here:

Conference-Packing-Checklist-Nesting-StoryDownload

On my last trip I was told to check my carry-on at the gate because there was no room and the airline lost it! No more carry on case for me.

I filmed me packing for my trip to Austin, Texas and have added lots of packing tips, including what to bring to a conference. Enjoy!

My Simple Heirloom Easter Table Setting

Last weekend we had our first family get together for Easter. It was an impromptu, last minute early Easter gathering. As I cleaned our house, getting ready for our guests, … Continue reading “My Simple Heirloom Easter Table Setting”

Last weekend we had our first family get together for Easter. It was an impromptu, last minute early Easter gathering. As I cleaned our house, getting ready for our guests, table decor ideas were coming to me.

I knew I didn’t want to spend any money on new decor, or fresh flowers, nor did I have time to head out and shop. So, I decided to get creative and use what I already had.

I started to gather items from around our house… carnations that were still hanging on from a bouquet I had put together for a photoshoot (the hydrangeas had already bit the dust), faux greens and basic terracotta pots that I had purchased in the fall from Michaels for our Autumn centre piece, linens from our pre-kids-days, crystal handed down from my grandmother, 1950’s milk-glass plates and salad bowls passed down from Mike’s grandmother, and a simple white rabbit I nabbed from the shelf of my office.

You can find vintage mid-century 1050’s milk glass dishes on Etsy.

I began setting the table…

To break up all of the white with the table cloth I decided to sandwich the robin’s egg blue napkins between the dinner plates and salad bowls.

When it comes to Easter and Halloween I prefer to stay away from the overly themed decor and go for a natural and neutral look that reflects what is happening with the foliage outside.

But I just couldn’t resist adding my little office bunny to the centrepiece as a nod to Easter.

To complete the look I added a white carnation to each table setting. I was so happy with the overall look. It was simple, fresh and reflected the season. Watch the entire transformation unfold here…

Laundry Room Reveal – Our Dream Basement Laundry Room

This post was created in partnership with LG Electronics Canada Inc. When I walk into a space I can immediately visualize the potential and how I would transform it. When … Continue reading “Laundry Room Reveal – Our Dream Basement Laundry Room”

This post was created in partnership with LG Electronics Canada Inc.

When I walk into a space I can immediately visualize the potential and how I would transform it. When we were hunting for a larger family home over seven years ago I had to do some major visualizing when we walked into our current home as the perspective buyers. 

The entire house had been painted dark blue and dark brown. To say it was somber would be an understatement. Despite the gloomy décor I could picture it all, and the large backyard and big unfinished basement sold me. 

Initially we didn’t know how long we would be living in our home. Although spacious and near the school we loved, it was a builder house and a bit cookie cutter for our tastes. We had always discussed moving further into the country and finding a home that was a little more unique. 

But as the years have gone by, we have fallen deeper and deeper in love with our house. But what has really sold us on it is the fact that we decided to break that cookie cutter mold, turn it on its head, and make it our own.

The first big change was to create a large dream laundry room that would function well for our family of six and the perfect location for it was in our basement. This meant that our old laundry room, which straddles our kitchen and garage, is now a dedicated mudroom. Double score!

I had always envisioned a laundry room that is warm and pretty, yet very functional, and I truly think we have achieved just that. 

We were able to hide the existing electrical panel with MDF and Metrie trim. Then we painted it the same colour as the walls to have it blend in. 

I had always wanted a focal wall with a bit of relief from so much cabinetry. A floating shelf with decorative items on it has brought some colour and personality into this room. I was able to find all of the accessories and stool for our laundry room at HomeSense.

I fell in love with these plant art pieces as soon as I found them. The green brings some much needed freshness and life into the room, making you almost forget that it is located in our basement, especially when there aren’t any windows.

For the tile backsplash we opted for peel and stick tiles. We had never tried them before and wanted to see if it would be worth the time saved. Although easy to install they were more expensive than regular tile and we probably wouldn’t choose to use peel and stick tile again.

Opting for grey cabinets from Ikea was also a great way to bring some colour into this space. The Ikea laminate countertop gives the illusion of butcher block, but it is a lot more durable and budget friendly. I love how much warmth the countertop brings into the room.

We chose to hang our ironing board on the wall and left space for a future drying rack.

I think the biggest annoyance our family experiences with all of the laundry we accumulate as a family of six is the finished loads sitting in laundry baskets, waiting to be folded, hanging around our house. Once we complete washing and drying all of our four kids’ clothing, we have filled four laundry baskets. Those baskets were constantly taking up floor space in our laundry room, or overtaking our dining room table.

A simple wall-mounted wire shelving system has solved that problem. Having a dedicated home for all of our laundry baskets has been a dream come true!

But I think our favourite new addition has been our new LG TWINWash®with LG SideKick™ pedestal washer. Mike and I actually look forward to doing the laundry now. Mike has the LG SmartThinQ®app on his phone, which notifies him when a load is done. The capacity is amazing, allowing us to move through our family’s laundry faster.

The LG SideKick™ has been used constantly for everything from sandy gloves brought home from school to a red shirt here and there. I love that I don’t need to waste water when I need to wash a small load and I can easily separate an item while continuing to wash the rest of our clothes. The laundry set is also Energy Star efficient making using it easier on the environment and our pockets!

It’s safe to say we are absolutely head over heels about our new laundry room. Breaking the rules with our home’s layout and making it work for our family has made us fall even deeper in love with our house. I cannot wait to continue with the rest of our renovations we have planned and take you with us on our family’s journey.

To learn more about LG home appliances, visit www.LG.ca/UltimateLaundryRoom.

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by LG Electronics Canada Inc. While compensation was provided in form of trade, all opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the opinions of LG Electronics Canada Inc.