Cambridge community stepping up for Safe Families

Two Cambridge residents are on a mission to support those in crisis in the community.

Kyla Shaw and Candace Kikkert help head the leadership council for the Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge chapter of Safe Families, a faith-based charity that provides a variety of services for families dealing with issues ranging from homelessness and medical emergencies to people trying to escape abusive situations.

“What we do is any families in crisis for whatever reason, we surround them with support,” Shaw said.

“We do it through community members. We host children, so instead of the foster system which is mandatory at times, we’re a voluntarily organization. If someone needs to have medical treatments and can’t take care of their child, we’ll host them and drive you to appointments. We also help with job situations.”

But this work isn’t free, which is why Shaw and Kikkert are encouraging people to get involved with the Play Day fundraiser.

Throughout the summer until Sept. 23, they’re inviting the community to pick an activity they enjoy and use it as a way to raise money for the charity.

Shaw, for example, will be heading out on the river with her kayak in an attempt to help the chapter reach its goal of raising $52,000.

But more important than the money raised is the tangible impact made on their neighbours. 

Kikkert reflects on one story of a family in need that is currently being supported through a church in Cambridge.

“We have a single mom who has a teenage son with autism,” Kikkert said.

“She doesn’t have a job, I believe she’s on disability. They were connected through Forward Church and now a team is supporting this mom and son. This boy is coming to camp for seven weeks throughout the summer so the mom has that additional support that her son is being taken care of and getting the resources he needs."

Shaw and Kikkert both have children of their own and love to give back to the community but often struggled to focus their efforts, until they found Safe Families.

“I love volunteering and helping people,” Shaw said.

“I was helping here and there and everywhere but I didn't feel like I was making a difference in one place. When I saw Safe Families, it was everything I love to do. I love to network, I love to organize and I love to help families.”

For Kikkert, she also had a hard time finding exactly how she wanted to give back but the charity gave her options.

“I think the beautiful thing about Safe Families is there’s so many ways to get involved,” Kikkert said.

“Over the years I’ve struggled to find my fit in terms of how I can help. I have four small children at home and the thought of hosting children kind of stresses me out a bit but I thought there has to be something I can do. Being on the ground and seeing things move is where I see myself.”

The best part of the work for the team is the surprise on families faces when they realize someone is there for them that truly cares, Kikkert says. And while it’s a faith-based charity, they emphasize that they'll help anyone, regardless of beliefs.

“When people come to us and ask for help and we give them what they request, their initial response is ‘but why would you do that for me?’” Kikkert said.

“We believe everyone’s family should be a safe place for them. Everyone is worthy of love, care and support. It’s the surprise that gets me every time.”

To get involved with the Play Day fundraiser or to donate visit safefamiliescanada.com.