Inspired by her personal experiences with infertility and grief, Airdrie resident Kayla Meller started an initiative called 'Hope Anchors' three years ago.
The company aims to provide a simple and meaningful way for people to support their loved ones. Hope Anchors offers gift boxes filled with items carefully selected for their ability to provide comfort and encouragement.
Meller understands firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate the experience of grief, especially when others don't know what to say or do to offer support.
She and her husband struggled with infertility for two and a half years before having their children. They felt isolated in their grief, and their experience inspired Meller to start Hope Anchors in 2020 as a way for people to reach out to their loved ones.
“We have wonderful friends and family, but so many people just didn't know what to say or do during that time,” Meller said.
Each gift box from Hope Anchors is thoughtfully curated and includes items such as coffee, tea, bath salts, and artwork with quotes related to grieving. The boxes also include a card for the sender to leave a message for the recipient.
All the items are from local Alberta businesses, chosen specifically for their ability to provide comfort to those in grief.
As Mother’s Day is fast approaching on May 14, Hope Anchors has created a special edition for the occasion. A themed gift box includes a bracelet, body scrub, scrunchie, chocolate-covered pretzels, and a card that says, “Wishing you a gentle Mother's Day.”
“The items in the boxes were chosen with the purpose of providing encouragement to the recipient,” Meller said. “Many of the items are things that bring comfort such as warm drinks or bath products.”
Meller's goal for Hope Anchors is to expand the types of gift boxes available and to reach more people who are journeying through grief. She plans to create a “heavenly birthday” box for those who have lost a loved one and would like to acknowledge their birthday or due date.
According to Meller, responses from people who have received the gift boxes to date has been overwhelmingly positive. They have appreciated feeling supported and acknowledged during a difficult time, and the modest act of sending a gift has made a difference in their lives.
“People who have received the gift boxes have appreciated feeling seen during their time of grief,” she said. “People who have sent boxes have also shared that they loved having a way to encourage their loved one in such a simple way.”
Meller feels honoured to be a part of the process of supporting people's loved ones and bringing comfort and encouragement during a time of grief.
For people interested in purchasing a gift box for a loved one who is grieving, they can do so through the Hope Anchors website at hopeanchorsyyc.ca.
