Apple

Best Mother’s Day gifts 2019: Show mom some love

Mother figures are the backbone of the world. Yours may be your biological mother, or maybe she’s your mother-in-law, your best friend’s mom, or simply someone whose motherly instinct has helped you through hard times.  Moms teach you the adulting necessities, give advice even if the problem is your fault, and above all, they put…


Mother figures are the backbone of the world. Yours may be your biological mother, or maybe she’s your mother-in-law, your best friend’s mom, or simply someone whose motherly instinct has helped you through hard times. 

Moms teach you the adulting necessities, give adviceevenif the problem is your fault, and above all, they put up with your shit and (almost) never complain.

The game plan here isn’t just to snag the last bouquet at CVS just so you’re not the kid who forgot Mother’s Day (but definitely also get flowers). And you don’t even need to spend a lot of money. (Peep our list of Mother’s Day gifts that cost less than $50 here. Want even more cheap gift ideas? Go here.)

Skip the generic mugs and show your appreciation with a gift picked just for her: Whether it’s something to make a part of her life easier, something she’s mentioned wanting in passing, or simply something to make her feel like a damn queen, you can’t put a price on everything she’s done for you, but heartfelt gifts certainly help.

After all, they say “No matter how hard you try, you always end up like your mother.” But is that even a bad thing?

Here are the best gift ideas for Mother’s Day:

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AMAZON
BEST FOR MOMS WHO CHECK IN

The Amazon Echo Show

The mother of all Echo devices (yes, Mother’s Day pun intended) makes a great gift for moms who could use an extra hand. The Echo Show will act as her companion even if she’s not tech savvy, with a drop-in feature that lets her make video calls without the other person having to pick up. She can also watch live TV, call for recipe videos, and use voice commands with smart plugs or lights.

From AMAZON
$229.99

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APPLE
BEST FOR TECH-SAVVY MOMS

The iPad Pro

Working moms need a sidekick that can keep up with their lifestyle. She’ll be psyched to have the new 11-inch iPad Pro and Apple’s most advanced technology yet at her side, especially if her projects involve drawing or graphic design (so grab the Apple Pencil while you’re at it.) It weighs one pound and lasts for 10 hours on one charge, so Netflix marathons and taking it on the goarea go.

From AMAZON
$799

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NORDSTROM RACK
BEST FOR ALL MOMS

14K gold initial necklace

A simple, understated necklace can go a long way. This 14K gold bar necklace features a single initial, which could be yours, your mom’s, or the first letter of the family name. This is also a great option if you’re on a budget, as you can save up to 60% off jewelry for Mother’s Day at Nordstrom Rack.

From NORDSTROM RACK
$29.97
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HOST
BEST FOR MOMS WHO LOVE MIXING

Self-chilling marg glasses

Mother’s Day falls at the perfect time. With warm weather here to stay, every weekend can be a vacation for her with self-chilling margarita glasses. The freezable inserts keep drinks cold for about 30 minutes, with an insulted ring around the outside to prevent cold hands. There are also self-cooling pint, whiskey, and wine glasses. 

From AMAZON
$24.99

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UNCOMMON GOODS
BEST FOR THE MOM WHO’S FAR AWAY

Long-distance touch lamps

Moms miss you when you’re gone for a few seconds, let alone weeks or months. If she hates texting, send her an “I miss you” with the light of these touch lamps. Just set them up via WiFi, give one a tap, and the other will glow the same radiant color. To add more loved ones to the group, just grab another lamp and assign everyone a color.

From UNCOMMON GOODS
$170
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BEIS
BEST FOR ON-THE-GO MOMS

A shoe compartment tote bag

Traveling for work or heading to the gym straight from the office likely has her lugging around an extra pair of shoes every day. Instead of wrapping them in a plastic bag, this ultra-stylish tote bag has plenty of room for multiple changes of clothes and has a separate shoe compartment in the bottom. It’s water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve, and has a special strap for sitting on top of a suitcase.

From NORDSTROM
$87
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UNCOMMON GOODS
BEST FOR PINTEREST RECIPE MOMS

A utensil and tablet holder

There are moms who are quick to order out, and there are moms who insist on trying a new recipe every night. This utensil holder keeps her wooden spoons and spatulas in arm’s reach, and props her tablet for a clear view of Pinterest orThe Handmaid’s Tale. If she’s not a tablet gal, a decorative recipe book would look great, too.

From UNCOMMON GOODS
$60
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ANCESTRY.COM
BEST FOR TRACING ANCESTRY

AncestryDNA®

Family is everything and there’s no way your mom’s not a little curious about her own background. Order your mom an AncestryDNA® kit and trace your family roots together. Receive free shipping when you use the code FREESHIPDNA.

From ANCESTRY.COM
$99
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FITBIT
BEST FOR MOMS GETTING FIT

The Fitbit Inspire HR

Fitness trackers arethe accessory to have right now, but many can be just plain obnoxious. Fitbit’s newest tracker and heart rate monitor, the sleek Fitbit Inspire HR, has been called out by many as the model to choose over the Alta HR or Charge 3. This chic band can help her reach her goals by tracking her all-day activity, cardio score, and sleep cycle. Plus, it runs for five days on a single charge.

From WALMART
$99.95
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UNCOMMON GOODS
BEST FOR RUSTIC MOMS

Wine soap

This isnotyour mother’s Bath and Body Works stash. These vegan soaps are handmade with whiffs of citrus, berries, plums, and apples to mimic the red and white wines that inspired them, and we’ve heard they make your hands soft too. If nothing else, she’ll get tons of compliments on her bathroom decor.

From UNCOMMON GOODS
$28
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EPSON
BEST FOR SCRAPBOOKING MOMS

A color scanner

Organizing and preserving old photo albums is a huge undertaking. If she’s finally decided to tackle the mountains of memories, give her a hand with a color scanner. The Epson Perfection V39 is the world’s simplest scanner and connects via USB to transfer photos directly from her computer or email. Images are scanned straight to the cloud in 4,800 dpi resolution, giving her peace of mind even if the physical photo gets ruined. 

From AMAZON
$89.99

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INSTANT POT
BEST FOR FOODIE MOMS

An Instant Pot

She probably already has a slow cooker, but shedeservesan Instant Pot. One of the lineup’s best-sellers, the 9-in-1 DUO Plus, pressure cooks, slow cooks, steams, sterilizes, warms, cooks eggs, cooks rice, makes yogurt, and makes cake. It’s the most tricked-out model she can get without too much of a learning curve, and is great for basic recipes and fancy Pinterest recipes alike.

From `AMAZON
$129.95
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MILTON BRADLEY
BEST FOR NOSTALGIC MOMS

Mystery Date Nostalgia Edition

Help ’70s moms throw it back to the good old days (you know, before children) with Mystery Date: The Nostalgia Edition. It was the board game to have back then and is now making a comeback in this rad retro tin. The game is so in-demand over 50 years later, it’s sold out nearly everywhere — meaning you had better get your hands on it before you’re forced to buy a used one at a yard sale.

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$48.35
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UNDER ARMOUR
BEST FOR MOMS WHO HIT THE GYM

Under Armour workout clothes

If your mom is the kind of lady whose idea of fun is breaking a sweat on the regular, then she’s going to love some new gym clothes. Get her all decked out with Under Armour’s Spring Training Event and save 25% off select gear.

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IROBOT
BEST FOR TIDY MOMS

A robot vacuum

She cleaned up after you for atleastthe first decade of your life — it’s time for someone to clean for her. The Roomba 675 is iRobot’s most affordable connected vacuum and can be controlled via smartphone, Alexa, or the traditional buttons. She can schedule cleanings or simply let it roam free and find the concentrated areas of dirt, pet hair, and other debris.

From AMAZON
$269

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RING
BEST FOR PARANOID MOMS

The Ring Video Doorbell

Empty nesting ain’t always retirement and vacations — being home alone can be hauntingly lonely, regardless of your age. The Ring Video Doorbell lets your mom keep an eye on the camera and check on visitors through her phone or Alexa device. She’ll even get a notification when motion is detected at the door.

From AMAZON
$99.99

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UNCOMMON GOODS
BEST FOR MOMS WHO LOVE THE BEACH

A custom sand bracelet

For the days that she’d give anything to have her toes in the water and a book in her hand, this one-of-a-kind beach-themed bracelet can remind her of her happy place. The sand in the charm can be customized to her favorite beach, too. Choose from over 1,000 sand banks, or send in your own sand. If she’s more into cuffs than beads, the designer makes those as well.

From UNCOMMON GOODS
$48
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AMAZON
BEST FOR MOMS WITH A READING LIST

The Kindle Paperwhite

Almost every mom has a book list (whether she’s gotten around to any on it is another story). Force her to carve out some me-time with a Kindle Paperwhite. The new model is waterproof, lasts weeks on one charge, and features a 300 ppi glare-free displayevenin sunlight. For extra brownie points, get her a Kindle Unlimited subscription. 

From AMAZON
$129.99

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SECURA
BEST FOR MOMS WHO LOVE WINE

An automatic wine opener

Even the most experienced wine connoisseurs get stuck on a stubborn cork sometimes. An electric wine opener ensures that she won’t have to wait another second for her glass after a long day. This well-reviewed model from Secura just requires the press of a button and can open 30 bottles on a single charge.

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$19.99

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GIFTCARDS.COM
BEST FOR MOMS WHO NEED TO CHILL

SpaFinder gift card

There is no mom on the planet who doesn’t deserve some major pampering on the regular. Help her treat herself with a SpaFinder gift card: You choose the amount and then she can use it at a nearby participating location.

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WINC
BEST FOR MOMS WHO *REALLY* LOVE WINE

A wine subscription

Sometimes, dreaming of that post-work glass is the only thing getting her through the day. It’d be even better without a pitstop at the liquor store, though. Winc Wine Club is a super customizable wine subscription with vino for those with casual palates all the way to connoisseurs with refined tastes. Each month, she’ll come home to a box with her desired number of bottles, starting at just $13 each.

From WINC
$52
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OLEHENRIKSEN
BEST FOR MOMS WORRIED ABOUT WRINKLES

A premium skincare set

Using anti-aging skincare doesn’t mean she’s old — it’s actually a process that everyone should start in their 20s. This citrus-scented set by Olehenriksen includes a serum, moisturizer, and nighttime gel to even skin tone and increase elasticity. The three-step regimen is quick enough for the busiest routines and easy enough for moms clueless about skin and makeup.

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$72
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NINJA
BEST FOR MOMS WHO LOVE JUNK FOOD

An air fryer

Life is too short to stress over a diet. An air fryer will let her make her favorite foods without the guilt. Using almost no oil, she can make anything from salmon, to pizza, to two pounds of french fries. This 4-quart model from Ninja can also roast, dehydrate, and reheat. 

From AMAZON
$129.99

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S’WELL
BEST FOR HYDRATED MOMS

A patterned water bottle

Help her cut down on plastic and declutter the floor of her car with a reusable water bottle from S’well. This BPA-free stainless steel works to keep cold drinks cold or hot drinks hot for at least 12 hours, and does so while preventing condensation. Choose from 20 of S’well’s stylish patterns including marble, metallics, and florals.

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$35

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FURBO
BEST FOR DOG MOMS

The Furbo Pet Camera

Whether she’s strictly a dog mom or just babies her dog more than her human kids, the Furbo Pet Camera is a must-have for anyone who keeps a picture of their dog in their wallet. The two-way camera and app-enabled treat dispenser allow her to watch, talk to, and throw treats to her dog (or cat) when she’s not home.

From AMAZON
$249

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TOUS
BEST FOR TRENDY MOMS

Tous choker with charm

The ’90s are back in full force, which means chokers are once again in fashion. Help mom stay on top of the trends with this charming selection by Tous. Get a gold and mother of pearl pendant in the shape of a little boy or girl for free when you buy a Hold choker or bracelet and help make your mom the coolest on the block.

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NIXPLAY
BEST FOR NOSTALGIC MOMS

A digital picture frame

Documenting anything and everything that happens is just a requirement of being a mom. Once she’s tired of finding space for picture frames, this 8-inch digital one by Nixplay will swipe through 10 GB worth of her photos, giving each one its time to shine. It’s Alexa and app enabled, and can even access photos and videos from social media.

From AMAZON
$199.99

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UDEMY
BEST FOR MOMS WHO LOVE LEARNING

An online course

It could be painting, coding, or writing a book — there’s bound to be some sort of hobby or skill that she always talks about wanting to learn, but never has time. Udemy offers over 3,000 affordable online courses in business, IT, design, and more. There’s something for every interest and experience level, and she can do it all on her own time.

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NESPRESSO
BEST FOR MOMS WHO NEED A BOOST

A Nespresso coffee maker

A constant IV of coffee may not be possible (yet), but busy moms can get the next best thing with their own personal espresso maker. The Nespresso VertuoPlus by De’Longhi offers barista-grade espresso, coffee, or iced coffee, all for cheaper and faster than Starbucks. It even comes with 12 flavor capsules.

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$179
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FOOD CYCLE SCIENCE
BEST FOR ECO-FRIENDLY MOMS

An indoor mini composter

Help her save the environmentandhave less trash to take out with the Food Cycler. This indoor mini composter is sleek enough to blend in with other appliances and can sit right on the counter. Fill it with scraps like egg shells, vegetable peels, tea bags, and even coffee grounds, and it will quietly reduce up to 90% of waste in as little as three hours.

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Apple

Orléans community grapples with closure of EarlyON playgroup

Breadcrumb Trail Links Home News Local News Share this Story : Orléans community grapples with closure of EarlyON playgroup Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Orléans community grapples with closure of EarlyON playgroup The Charlemagne EarlyON Child and Family Centre is the second such facility operated by the Ottawa Catholic School Board in

Orléans community grapples with closure of EarlyON playgroup

The Charlemagne EarlyON Child and Family Centre is the second such facility operated by the Ottawa Catholic School Board in Orléans to close since September.

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With a long-running Orléans playgroup set to close at the end of November, many families are worried about a growing gap in free early-learning programs in Ottawa’s east end.

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The Charlemagne EarlyON Child and Family Centre, which operates out of St. Peter Catholic High School, has announced it will shut its doors on Nov. 30. The free drop-in playgroup offers learning programs for children up to six years old.

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For Dominique Patnaik, who has attended the play group for three years with her two daughters, the closure comes as an unexpected blow.

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“Everybody felt it because it is such a big part of our weekly lives, and it’s provided us with so much … that we all feel like there’s going to be a hole in our lives when the centre closes,” Patnaik said.

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The Ottawa Catholic School Board said it made the decision to close the EarlyON program after determining the space was needed for classrooms to support enrolment growth at the high school.

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“Families have shared how meaningful this program has been for their children and for their sense of community, and we recognize the worry this has created for those who use the centre,” the school board wrote in a statement.

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The Charlemagne centre is the second OCSB-operated EarlyON facility in Orléans to close in recent months. Another program at Divine Infant Elementary School shut down in September.

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Until now, Orléans centres offered as many as 57 hours of weekly English or bilingual playgroup sessions. With the closures of the two sites, parents estimate this will drop to just 15 hours weekly.

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“We’re very concerned that there will be no alternative for a lot of parents and young children to go to different playgroups,” said Claudie Larouche, a parent who is helping organize efforts to try to save the Charlemagne playgroup.

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More than 1,100 people have signed a petition urging the City of Ottawa and the Catholic school board to preserve the playgroup, if not in its current location, then in a suitable space nearby.

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Pressure on remaining playgroups is expected to intensify. While another EarlyON centre remains open nearby on Centrum Boulevard, Patnaik said demand was already greater than capacity, with parents lining up outside before programs begin.

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Larouche added the remaining sites may also be less accessible for families who rely on public transit.

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For many families, the Charlemagne EarlyON played an especially vital role because of its supportive staff, daily drop-in schedule and baby class offerings.

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Twylla Hodgins said Charlemagne centre staff gave her the resources to seek support from a speech-language specialist for her granddaughter.

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With a long-running Orléans playgroup set to close at the end of November, many families are worried about a growing gap in free early-learning programs in Ottawa’s east end.

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The Charlemagne EarlyON Child and Family Centre, which operates out of St. Peter Catholic High School, has announced it will shut its doors on Nov. 30. The free drop-in playgroup offers learning programs for children up to six years old.

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Story continues below

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For Dominique Patnaik, who has attended the play group for three years with her two daughters, the closure comes as an unexpected blow.

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“Everybody felt it because it is such a big part of our weekly lives, and it’s provided us with so much … that we all feel like there’s going to be a hole in our lives when the centre closes,” Patnaik said.

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The Ottawa Catholic School Board said it made the decision to close the EarlyON program after determining the space was needed for classrooms to support enrolment growth at the high school.

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“Families have shared how meaningful this program has been for their children and for their sense of community, and we recognize the worry this has created for those who use the centre,” the school board wrote in a statement.

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The Charlemagne centre is the second OCSB-operated EarlyON facility in Orléans to close in recent months. Another program at Divine Infant Elementary School shut down in September.

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Until now, Orléans centres offered as many as 57 hours of weekly English or bilingual playgroup sessions. With the closures of the two sites, parents estimate this will drop to just 15 hours weekly.

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“We’re very concerned that there will be no alternative for a lot of parents and young children to go to different playgroups,” said Claudie Larouche, a parent who is helping organize efforts to try to save the Charlemagne playgroup.

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More than 1,100 people have signed a petition urging the City of Ottawa and the Catholic school board to preserve the playgroup, if not in its current location, then in a suitable space nearby.

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Pressure on remaining playgroups is expected to intensify. While another EarlyON centre remains open nearby on Centrum Boulevard, Patnaik said demand was already greater than capacity, with parents lining up outside before programs begin.

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Larouche added the remaining sites may also be less accessible for families who rely on public transit.

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For many families, the Charlemagne EarlyON played an especially vital role because of its supportive staff, daily drop-in schedule and baby class offerings.

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Twylla Hodgins said Charlemagne centre staff gave her the resources to seek support from a speech-language specialist for her granddaughter.

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“I needed a supportive community and the Charlemagne EarlyON became that community for us. I relied on the staff and the other parents to be my network to support me and the children in my care to lay a safe, caring, empathic, and inclusive foundation,” Hodgins wrote in an email.

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Orléans-West Innes Coun. Laura Dudas addressed the playgroup closure in a social-media post on Tuesday, stating she confirmed with the head of children’s services at the City of Ottawa that funding previously allocated to the closed centres would stay in the east end.

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“Their short-term goal is to maintain access to these vital programs as quickly as possible by increasing capacity at a nearby EarlyON locations so families continue to have access to these high-quality programs and resources,” Dudas wrote.

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She added the city was also exploring longer-term solutions to keep playgroup services in the east end and would consider proposals for new locations in the new year.

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But, for parents such as Patnaik, the need to fill the gap created by Charlemagne’s closure is immediate.

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“Even if another centre opens up in six months, that’s six months of parents having to pivot and trying to find something to do,” she said. “I think it’s going to have a detrimental impact. We need a solution right away.”

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