The Urban Oasis Day Spa has partnered with First Step Options to hold a Diaper & Formula Drive. With the price of living constantly on the rise, families are having a hard time making sure they have what they need to survive. First Step Options located at 362 Miller St in Pembroke has been helping people in the community since 2006.
Donalee Loback, Executive Director of First Step Options, told myFM that this drive was initiated in response to the growing demand of one of their programs.
Audio PlayerOnce a month families can come in and get one of their care packages which includes: a can of formula, a sleeve of diapers, package of wipes, baby
food/snacks, ad if they are needing clothing they can put together some clothes as well. Loback explains that it’s not just young single mothers who need support; the demographic at First Step Options spans ages 24 to 35, including young families in need of assistance. Those care packages are valued at $60 per package, in 2024 a grand total of $42,865 material support went out into the community.
First Step Options is a non-profit charity that depends on support from community partners, grants, donations and local fundraising events. Loback highlighted that many local churches contribute by donating items and gathering materials for their care packages, while businesses like Urban Oasis Day Spa organize fundraising events to further support their efforts.
Audio PlayerFirst Step Options offers many programs for anyone to attend, they have free pregnancy tests, options support and information, care package program, prenatal and parenting support and education, living in colour post-abortion recovery program and so many others. The best part about First Step is that anyone is welcomed.
Audio PlayerThe Diaper & Formula Drive is happening throughout March, bring your donations to Urban Oasis Day Spa located at 847 Pembroke St East and help out families in need in Renfrew County.
(Written by: Emma Butler)