Basically Babies

This month we are excited to share about Basically Babies, a charitable organization whose main goal is to outfit newborns in need. Ensuring the most vulnerable, precious, and newest humans are provided for is an amazing feat, and one that Basically Babies has been committed to for almost three decades.  

Basically Babies was born in 1994 from the idea of a group of young moms. Basically Babies became a way to provide full year outfitting for newborns born to families living in extreme need situations. In its infancy, they called their project, “Baby Bundles,” where they collected baby items, and began telling others about their idea. With the help of friends who were pediatricians and obstetricians, they would connect with families and newborns in need.  

Items are washed, ironed, and assembled into baskets containing over 100 items that are color coordinated and season specific to outfit a baby for every season of their first year. 

The project continued to grow, expanding into two basement rooms, then an entire basement, and into a set of guest rooms and basement. Demand was high, and they needed to expand. A new home for their work came in an 800 square foot second floor space in South Edmonton. They also became a registered charity and continued to serve moms and babies in the community. 

The charity has been operating in Edmonton for twenty-eight years and in Calgary for three years. Basically Babies works with over 100 non-profit and health care organizations to deliver their layettes to families who need them most. They partner with these agencies, so they can ensure families receiving help from Basically Babies are also receiving help in other areas of their lives on a long term, life skill building, basis. 

How can you help? 

Basically Babies is always in need of help in the form of donations. This includes donating baby items, offering time as a volunteer, and monetary donations to support their efforts in outfitting newborns in need. You can also host a donation drive on behalf of a school, or as a group and/or organization. 

Upcoming events 

From mid-November to the end of December, Basically Babies offers a Quadruple Your Gift Campaign. Each financial donation is matched by three anonymous supporters, so that your $25 becomes $100, which helps their operations enormously.  

Be sure to stay tuned for their annual Mother’s Day Brunch & Silent Auction, returning after a pandemic hiatus, in May of 2023. 

Thank you to Basically Babies for the incredible work you provide to the newest members of our community. Your dedication over the years is amazing. If you have items that you no longer need, or would like to volunteer, reach out to this amazing organization, and help a family in need.