Our Market

Supporting Moms. Strengthening Families. Building Community.

The Market at Gianna began in the summer of 2021 as a simple outdoor market in response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and has grown today into a thriving social enterprise. Our popular on-site seasonal markets remain the flagship of the program, drawing a loyal community of shoppers each year, while the Market has expanded its reach through an online store and pop-up shops at venues across Edmonton.

The Market provides paid employment opportunities for mothers, helping participants gain valuable skills in customer service, retail operations, merchandising, communication, teamwork, and workplace readiness. While earning income to support their families, moms also develop their friendships and community, build confidence, and develop a greater sense of belonging.

Every purchase helps create opportunities for mothers to gain skills, earn income, strengthen community connections, and build a brighter future for themselves and their children.

Keep up with us on social media!

Handmade goods on blue-draped tables under a Small Business Big Dreams canopy

“Raising a child takes a village and the Gianna Centre & the Market at Gianna have been a great support for me and many others that don’t have family and they are always there whenever or however I need.” – Sam, Market Mom

Employment

The Market at Gianna offers a supportive setting to assist clients in developing professional and transferable employment and small business skills such as
  • product creation
  • customer service
  • tracking inventory
  • processing orders

Moms also have the opportunity to progress into our full time, paid employment training and placement program, MOMentum.

A mother prepares food in the Gianna Centre kitchen with her baby in a wrap on her back

“The Gianna Centre Market finally gave me the opportunity to sell my own art, which I’ve been wanting to do for years. I actually sold one of my pieces on the first day the market launched. I was thrilled.” – Cat, Market Mom

Supplemental Income

Profits are shared among working mothers from the sales of Market items to provide a supplemental income. The Market offers our mothers unique opportunities not found elsewhere, including a baby-friendly work environment as well as understanding and flexibility for the needs of pregnant mothers.

“I’ve learned lots of practical skills about parenting as well as crocheting and cooking… I’m now looking for a part time job to help provide for Owen and am excited to be a part of the MOMentum employment program.” – Anndi, Gianna Centre Client

Community

Clients gain a community of other mothers who are in the same stage of life, working towards similar goals. Volunteers, staff, and community supporters create a positive and supportive environment of growth.

“I’m happy to be a part of the Gianna Market because it’s helped me develop my self-confidence and by doing it I meet different people. What I love about this Market is its main goal or purpose, because Gianna Centre is doing it not for themselves but to help pregnant women in need and people like me who are moving forward to start a new life.” – Jenelyn, Market Mom

Customer Reviews

“Staff went above and beyond to get us lunch on a very busy day when they had sold out of everything else!”

— E., Customer

“Pleasant, friendly service. Thank you!”

— M., Customer

“Everything was good – environment, food, etc. Big thank you!”

— A., Customer

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