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Please Mum Foundation Fund
Q&A with Cathy Thorpe, Exec. Vice President, Please Mum
Please Mum has made high-quality kids clothes for over two decades. Please Mum has also been bringing hope and fun to children across Canada by providing Funds for Fun that help build playgrounds, and support sports, music, dance, and poetry programs in schools.
In 2008/2009 Please Mum funded new playgrounds across Canada and a national archery program.
Why did you form the foundation?
Since opening our first store in Burnaby, BC, in 1986, Please Mum has been actively involved in the community and in charities across Canada and internationally. We have a quarterly blood drive and contribute to earthquake and other disaster relief efforts.
Originally we helped send a choir from Quinson Elementary School in Prince George, BC, to a music fest in Ottawa. The choristers had heart and talent but not quite enough money. After Please Mum donated $15,000, they got there. They did their hometown proud by winning the Gold Medal standing, the festival’s highest award. This story inspired us to establish the Please Mum Foundation Fund.
Does this make a difference to your customers and staff?
Definitely. Our customers want to support a business that helps children in their communities. They inspire us to seek creative ways to fund our initiatives. Having the foundation also helps connect our staff to the communities they work in. It’s simple corporate social responsibility, and giving back is integral to our business.
How has Tides Canada helped your corporate giving?
Because Tides Canada works nationally, we can recommend grants across Canada. This allows us to support school programs in all the cities and towns where Please Mum stores are located.
