Mama Bears for Change: Join the Movement

In Honour of International Women’s Day, WINGS is calling on you to step up and take action. Mama Bears for Change is more than a campaign - it’s a grassroots movement to protect and empower families escaping domestic violence.

In 2023/24, domestic violence shelters in the Edmonton Area provided safety and hope for 779 women, 23 men and gender diverse individuals, and 923 children. Across the six shelter-providing organizations in the area, 173 emergency beds and 42 second-stage units provide safe housing for individuals and families, but the need is much greater than what the current capacity can allow, with turn-aways increasing by over 40% in 2023/24 compared to the previous year.1

WINGS provides 20 of the just 42 second-stage units available in the Edmonton Area and 29 affordable housing units. These provide critical, wrap-around support for long-term positive outcomes for more than 300 women and children escaping abuse each year - but with minimal government funding, none of this is possible without the strong support of our community.

Your support helps women and children reclaim their lives, rebuild their futures, and break free from violence. Will you stand with us?

Become a Fundraiser

Create your own fundraising page and rally your friends and family to support WINGS. We’ll provide all the tools you need to succeed!

How to Get Involved

Join the #PawPrintsForChange Challenge

Draw or paint a bear paw on your hand, share your photo on social media with a message of support, and tag three friends to join the movement.

Spread the Word

Watch and share the three powerful videos produced by Hoopla Media, released on March 8, 2025. These videos show the stark realities of domestic violence and how your support helps families reclaim peace and safety.

Donate

Every dollar counts!

As part of this campaign, WINGS is partnering with Hoopla Media, a local media company generously donating their time and talent to produce three impactful video ads. These ads, created in honour of International Women’s Day on March 8th, aim to raise awareness about the daily impact of domestic violence, and highlight WINGS’ crucial role in providing safety, counseling, and long-term support to survivors.

The three video ads feature actors and depict the stark contrast between a woman enjoying peaceful, simple moments - like celebrating her child’s birthday or relaxing at home - and the harsh reality that such moments are often out of reach for those experiencing abuse. Based on real stories and testimonials from moms at WINGS, these ads inspire reflection and action, highlighting the life-changing impact your support has in helping families heal and thrive.

Be part of the solution. Watch the powerful video ads, share them with your network, and join the Mama Bears for Change Campaign. Together, we can create a world where every family can experience peace, safety, and hope.

Join Us Today!

1Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (2024). Edmonton Area Shelter Data.

FAQ’s

  • Absolutely not! We all have (or had) moms. Let’s join together to help mamas in need.

  • No! Spreading awareness can go a long way! If you don’t want to start a fundraiser but still donate, consider contributing to another Mama Bear’s fundraiser.

  • We have a simple bear paw drawing you can practice with. Click here to download!

    We also recommend using a dry erase marker, or paint…they wash off easier :P