What a great networking event the Open House was and I had the pleasure to meet one of the other vendors, Tracey Valade, who is hosting the Great Cloth Diaper Change event. Article and photo by Mai-Liis Renaud

Here are my 5 questions about the event and about Tracey’s business.

1. What is the Great Cloth Diaper Change?


The Great Cloth Diaper Change is an annual worldwide event that was created to raise awareness about cloth diapering in today’s society. It also raises awareness for the Real Diaper Association and raises money for our non-profit organization. It brings together communities. Both the cloth diaper communities, and local communities. In Cornwall, this is our 5th year. We’ve grown quite a strong cloth diapering community here and it makes me excited for this year’s event. The only thing you need to do is come with a cloth diaper or ask for one at the registration table, fill out the form and change your baby! There are no height limits on the baby or age limits on the changer as in previous years. I’m expecting a great turn out this year, with MPP Guy Lauzon attending, as well as staff from the school and some amazing local support.



2. How did this event originate?


One of the founders of the Real Diaper Association, Judy Aagard, had a desire to celebrate Earth Day by hosting a family event for the Tiny Tots community and this quickly morphed into a dream to set a Guinness World Record for the most cloth diapers changed simultaneously. The Great Cloth Diaper Change 2011 was organized by a small group of cloth diaper enthusiasts that were eager to demonstrate that cloth diapers are a real option for today’s families. Judy has since passed, may she rest in peace, and we continue her legacy.



3. When is it taking place?


It is taking place on April 23rd, 2016, with the main event at 11:00am. The doors open at 9am and we’ve got a babywearing dance demonstration on 10:15 or so. You do need to fill out a small registration form before the event, what can be emailed to those interested in filling it out in advance, or at the event itself it will be available. You need to come before 10:45 to register to be a participant.



4. Where is it taking place?


This year we are hosting at the school my children attend, Ecole Elementaire Notre-Dame, 420 15th St in Cornwall. We’re taking over the gym and the hall area infront of it. 



5. You are the owner of Darolotty’s Natural Parenting Shop and the host of this event. Can you tell me a bit about your business and how our readers can get more info about you?


I am a mother of 5 and I own the shop myself, but my husband helps alot too. Darolotty’s is just starting in his 3rd year. We’re a small home based business, with sales based mainly online and though vendor events. We carry cloth diapers, a large variety of them and all that you need to use them, plus baby carriers, women’s products, skin care products and baby gear. Many of our items are Canadian made. We offer education as well as the products. 


I offer free workshops for people to come learn more about cloth diapers. They are hosted at the Early Years Center the second Thursday of the month and the Agape Center on the last Saturday of the month. They are hosted under the Real Diaper Circle of SD&G, what is the diaper circle I run, that opened about 2 years ago. I am the first to have an accredited circle in Canada. I am also a third year committee member for the Great Cloth Diaper Change. I help Canadian hosts prepare successful events. I was offered the position because of my initiative to help create awareness.

I also offer advice and installation assistance on car seats through Cornwall Car Seats, a volunteer branch of Seats For Kids, that I run with two other trained car seat technicians.

Those interested can visit my website, www.darolottys.ca or find us on facebook.

We are happy to announce that Tracey is joining the Seeker Team of contributors, so watch out for her articles on Parenting starting in the next few weeks!