Community News

FAMILY AND PARENTING EXPO COMING TO PEN CENTRE

NIAGARA MOMMY AND ME PLAYGROUP HOSTING FUNDRAISING EVENT IN THE MALL'S PARKING LOT

LUKE EDWARDS ledwards@niagarathisweek.com

There are a lot of lessons that come hard and fast after the arrival of a first child. One of them: Just how many diapers a baby goes through.

An event later this month in the rear parking lot at the Pen Centre will not only bring together over 100 vendors for families to check out, but it will support an organization that works to ensure no family goes without diapers. Hosted by the Niagara Mommy and Me Playgroup, the expo will support No Bare Bums Niagara.

"I've seen how quickly parents can go through these products," said event organizer Janice

Duerksen. A single mom, she said she understands how difficult it can be for some families to afford to keep stocking up on diapers.

No Bare Bums Niagara is a non-profit organization that helps families who are financially struggling by providing them diapers and other care items.

About 15 years ago, Duerksen and a small group of moms started having regular backyard meetups, leading to the creation of the Mommy and Me Playgroup. Eventually they began organizing events, such as the spring expo.

Over the years the expo outgrew a few locations and became a major event. However, like most events, when COVID-19 hit they had to cancel. But with restrictions easing Duerksen is excited to be able to host it again.

The event takes place Saturday, May 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, May 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the rear parking lot at the Pen Centre. While hosting the event outside does bring unpredictable weather into play, Duerksen said the larger space allows them to spread out more so it can be more welcoming to people who may still want to maintain distancing and COVID safety protocols.

There are more than 100 vendor spaces with a variety that Duerksen said will appeal to the entire family. There will also be inflatables, character visits, food and refreshments, face painting, a kids area, bake sale, silent auction, draws and more.

The event will not only support No Bare Bums Niagara but also help send kids to summer camp. Duerksen said they wanted to help both younger kids and some of the older children who can often be overlooked.

There are still a few vendor spaces available, Duerksen said. For more information email evanloveshismommy@yahoo.ca or visit the Spring 2022 Family and Parenting Expo Facebook page.

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2022-05-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-05-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

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