A Winnipeg mother has taken a difficult situation and is now using it to help others.
Cristine Stacey, a domestic abuse survivor and single mother of two young girls spends her time helping provide necessities to families in need.
From clothing drives to backpack drives, Stacey has found a way to give back and get the community involved.
"I was young and starting on my own with my two kids, and no one helped me. I was afraid to ask for help," said Christine. "To be honest, I feel like a lot of moms and dads are in my spot, afraid to ask for help. So, I feel like when I do things like this, they don't have to feel ashamed to ask for help."
As we head into the back-to-school season, Christine has collected and prepared enough supplies and backpacks to help out dozens of kids from kindergarten to Grade 10.
"I made a post asking if anyone would help donate their children's used lunch bags and backpacks from the previous year. I originally wanted to make 10 backpacks last year, but with people reaching out and having donations come in, I was able to make and fill 77 backpacks."
This year, Stacey has enough supplies to fill 100 bags. However, she still needs at least 30 more backpacks and lunch bags.
"Anything that people can spare will work," said Christine. "Last year, people also made financial donations, and I was able to purchase brand new bags from Walmart."
She says the best part of doing these drives is watching the kid's reactions when they receive their bags.
"The moms always have the kids outside and they're waiting. They're jumping up and down. They're just purely excited, which fills my heart with a lot of joy to see that because I was that kid. So, to see that excitement and joy and happiness in these kids just brings me great joy to be able to do that for them."
Anyone interested in donating a backpack or financial donation can contact Christine at schristine221@gmail.com.
The backpack drive will wrap up the first week of September.