The Motivation
Behind Elevated Market
The motivation to create Elevated Market is a very personal one. One driven from being the person who could’ve used a service like this. A service without shame, a community to support and provide the basics to help grow and become something greater then my situation, my environment.
I moved to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada when I was 12 years old with my mother. She is a single parent of a only child, me. We moved to Edmonton due to a variety of health issues she has and continues to go through. The hospitals and clinics in Edmonton are world renowned and it was the best option for my mom to regain health and provide me with the best opportunities. Edmonton, ultimately came through and provided but not without some trials.
Shortly after moving to Edmonton my mom found herself with a new set of health issues that landed her out of work. She fought hard and long, ultimately healing and obtaining new training and education but during the fight we dipped below the poverty line, ran out of money, struggled to find food and spent six months homeless. The homelessness was the climax of the struggle but there were years before and after it of rocky roads, tight budgets, tough times and limited resources. Struggle and the shame that comes from it.
In these tough times it was our community who stood up and helped. Mostly close friends offered food, support, clothes, a shoulder to cry on and connections to help improve our lives. I am very grateful for their support. I understood at an early age that I was very lucky to have this community. I understood that not everyone does. The lack of this community would mean my life would look very different, it would’ve been more difficult and I don’t think I would be in the position I am today. I owe a lot to this city, Edmonton. The people in it help make me who I am. In the span of 20 years I went from a kid raised in poverty to university educated, married, home owner, had a six figure job that allowed me to start my own business. I now want to give back.
Elevated Market is built to give back. The idea is true to Elevated Enviro’s values of reducing waste to landfills but it’s also true of my own values, community, kindness and compassion. I’ve launched it for back to school because I once struggled with not having school supplies or new clothing. I know what it is like. The service isn't exclusive for Edmonton or those in need but it’s there for them. It’s also there to promote sustainability. Prevent items from heading to the landfill, change our habits of throwing everything out. The donation of 50% of the monthly profile charge to the Food Bank is because I know what it is like to need that type of service, families depend on it and it needs to be supported.
I hope I have found a way to fulfill my passion, making a difference. I hope you see value and choose to sign up. If there is another kid like me maybe this will help them. It can get better.
Courtney.