Ontario charity providing free doula support at risk of shutting its doors
Global News
Birth Mark, a free doula provider, relies on the generosity of donors. The group's main donor is redirecting its funds, putting the future of Birth Mark in jeopardy.
When Carolyn Tangasi came to Canada last October from Kenya, she was eight months pregnant and alone.
“I didn’t know what to do. I was really going through a very hard time,” she said while cradling her new son.
Tangasi was referred to Birth Mark, which offers free-of-charge, full-spectrum, reproductive doula care and complementary perinatal support services, provided by a team of more than 50 providers. Clients are referred through allied community partners, including food security programs and shelters.
“We started with birth and postpartum. … That slowly grew and became bigger and we started offering more services. We added abortion doula services. … We started to see the increase of clients and our donor was on board and we were able to continue to grow and do that work,” said Gillian Cullen, founder and CEO.
“Now we’re an integral part of the reproductive health care system in Toronto and Hamilton and our vision is to have doulas for everybody,” she added.
Tangasi credits Birth Mark with helping her to feed and clothe her baby.
“Besides doula services, they have helped my son with diapers, clothing and lactation services,” she said.
Operating as a charity, Birth Mark relies on the generosity of donors to be able to offer its many services. Cullen said she recently learned the main donor is redirecting its funds, putting the future of Birth Mark in jeopardy.
The competition watchdog said Wednesday that the ongoing investigation into the Canadian furniture retailers looks at three kinds of marketing practices.
The $7.28 billion budget unveiled by Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante includes a promise to increase the city's housing department budget by $100 million over the next three years.
The union representing port supervisors in British Columbia is challenging the legal and constitutional authority of the federal labour minister to order them back to work.
Randy Boissonnault is out of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s federal cabinet after months of controversy surrounding his former business.
A volunteer group has donated $60,000 to KHSC’s KidsInclusive as it winds down after 119 years, ensuring support for children’s care over the next five years.
Queen’s University will install North America’s first carbon-sequestering field turf at Nixon Field, enhancing sustainability while supporting sports and research.
Gerry Lichty, North Frontenac mayor, was elected 2025 Frontenac County warden. He aims to tackle rural challenges, with Bill Saunders as deputy warden.
Quebec Premier François Legault says the Sûreté du Québec, the province's police force, will 'conduct visual investigations at the borders.'
When people pass by the white-pillared Beaverbrook Art Gallery starting this weekend, they will be greeted by one of Fredericton's most famous sculptures.
The Toronto Santa Clause Parade faces financial challenges but, with public and government support, they are working hard to secure its future and keep the magic alive.
Governance in Yukon's second-largest municipality has been at a standstill since its newly elected mayor and council refused to pledge allegiance to King Charles.