Births of twins, triplets, and more are on the rise across the country (approximately 3 per cent of births, or 125,000 children under the age of 13), but anecdotal evidence suggests Guelph may be a hot bed.
“We’ve talked to doctors, nurses, ultrasound technicians and midwives, and they all agree that Guelph does seem to have a higher than average rate of multiple births,” said Ruth Morton, President of Multiple Births Guelph-Wellington, a non-profit group dedicated to supporting these families. While there are no hard numbers, the group is proud of this distinction.
“We provide a service in our community for multiple families. Right now, we have 55 member families with twins and triplets. We offer support from before the babies are even born through meetings and our Facebook group. But we also have a good time – just last week, we had our best turnout ever at an event – 20 families came out to Shady Grove Maple Farm for breakfast and wagon rides!” Morton said.
“Twice a year for the past 15 years, the group hosts a ‘We’ve Outgrown It!’ sale to raise funds for their programs.
These programs include coordinating student volunteers from the University of Guelph to help families out, family parties and outings, and membership with the national organization Multiple Births Canada which advocates for families of multiple birth children on a national scale.
The next sale is Saturday, March 23, from 11am – 2pm at the Evergreen Seniors Centre, 683 Woolwich St., Guelph.
“The sale is our chance to pick up new items at a fraction of the cost – critical when you have more than one child to equip and there’s no chance for hand-me-downs. And of course, it lets us pass on the double or triple everything – clothes, cribs, exersaucers, tricycles – that takes up so much space,” Morton added. “It’s also our chance to get our name out there and let the community know we’re here for them. Not just in Guelph either – we have members as far away as Goderich and Orangeville, and Facebook members as far away as Newfoundland.”
Admission to the “We’ve Outgrown It!” sale is $2 (exact change appreciated), and we accept cash, credit and debit for purchases. Morton said
“Lots of folks come early and line up to get the best selection. But this is such a huge event that, really, any time between 11am and 2pm gives those attending plenty of choice.”
For further information, please visit our website at www.guelphmultiples.ca.
