Vancouver charity that gives families lightly used baby gear expands to Surrey

The affordability crisis is hitting many British Columbians in the wallet – and young families are no exception.

The cost-of-living crisis has hit families hard in recent years, and that has prompted a Vancouver charity to expand into Surrey, with BabyGoRound opening a Cloverdale location.

“I was emotional at the ribbon cutting, knowing that so many other families are going to have access to something,” said young mother Clare Douglas Thursday as the location opened.

“I know how it made me feel and how it helped me out.”

BabyGoRound accepts new and gently used donated items, which are then given to hundreds of lower income families around the Lower Mainland.

“So many of the social services are located in Vancouver, and (families in need) just can’t get there,” said the charity’s executive director Meghan Neufeld.

“So for me, personally, having been born and raised and choosing to raise my family in the (Fraser) Valley, it means a lot to open a second location.”

While the new location is being welcomed in Surrey, the fact it’s needed is another sign of the affordability crisis gripping many families, especially with the many expenses required for quickly growing babies.

“I’m a mom,” Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke told reporters at the opening event.

“I’m a grandma. So for me to think that any child doesn’t have the ability, or any mum doesn’t have the ability to care for their child is devastating, and this is just giving a great lift to those families.”

It has made a real difference to young mothers like Douglas, allowing her to get essential items that she otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford.

“You can’t underestimate what even a small, like, socks and a clothing set can do for a parent when they’re starting out, or in need. It makes so much of a difference – let alone a crib or a bassinette,” said Douglas.

BabyGoRound is hosting its first donation day – where people will be able to drop off gently used baby gear – at the new Cloverdale location on Saturday

Donations can be made on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 105-17670 65A Ave. in Surrey between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., or online at babygoround.ca/expansion.