When Creativity Becomes Care: How Nicole Richard Sparked a Community Movement for Postpartum Support

In the Okanagan creative community, there are people who just make art — and then there are people who use art to change lives. Nicole Richard, the joyful force behind Wax Pencil Imagery, has always been the latter.

Long before she became the visionary of Creatives for Care, Nicole built her work on two beliefs: that everyone is beautiful, and that life is meant to be fun. Those aren’t just taglines — they’re the foundation of how she shows up in the world. Her photography is joyful, intentional, and deeply human. Her studio is a space where people feel seen, celebrated, and safe.

So when she learned about the rising need for postpartum mental health support in the community, she knew she couldn’t stay on the sidelines. She knew that creativity — her creativity and the creativity of others, could do something powerful.

And that is how Creatives for Care was born.

Nicole started with a question:

“How can we rally our creative community to support families who feel unseen and overwhelmed?”

With that single intention, she reached out to fellow artists, makers, musicians, designers, and storytellers. One by one, they said yes — and soon, 34 local creatives had donated nearly $20,000 worth of original works, experiences, and services to support Beyond the Blues, The Bridge’s postpartum mental health program.

The generosity was overwhelming, not because Nicole asked loudly, but because she leads with authenticity and people trust her heart.

“This auction is filled with heart. Every item tells a story, and every contribution will help someone write a new one,” says Nicole.

Where Creativity Meets Community Care

Creatives for Care is more than an auction. It is a reflection of what happens when someone like Nicole decides to use her gifts not just for work, but for collective healing.

The auction, running November 28 to December 12, is overflowing with meaningful offerings: portrait sessions, branding experiences, handcrafted jewelry, private concerts, wellness packages, art workshops, and more. Each item is an act of generosity. Each bid is an act of support. Each story is an act of connection.

“This campaign is a beautiful example of what happens when creativity meets community care,” says Luke Brimmage, Executive Director of The Bridge Youth & Family Services.

But behind the scenes, the magic started with Nicole — her conviction, her joy, and her belief that community care is everyone’s responsibility.

Beyond the Blues, the program Creatives for Care supports, provides emotional care and guidance for mothers and birthing parents experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety. Demand continues to rise, making initiatives like this essential.

Creatives for Care isn't just raising funds — it is sparking conversations, elevating awareness, and reminding families that they are not alone.

And that may be the most important contribution of all.

A Call to Community

The goal is to raise $10,000 — but the true impact of Creatives for Care extends far beyond a number. It lives in the stories, the generosity, the laughter shared between creatives, and the quiet comfort offered to families who need it most.

The auction is live from November 28 to December 12.

Browse and bid here: https://www.32auctions.com/creativesforcare