You can help support women and youth in our community's shelters and crisis centres during an evening of giving Thursday, Nov. 18 in Newmarket.
Bring your gently used and new purses filled with personal necessities in support of the seventh annual Fill a Purse for a Sister Campaign, and/or new unwrapped toys for Abuse Hurt’s annual toy drive anytime between 6 and 9 p.m. at Cachet Supper Club at 500 Water St.
At 7 p.m., you’ll hear how your gifts are making a difference from Fill a Purse for a Sister Campaign founder Angel Freedman, Abuse Hurts program manager Kaylee Strezov, and Women's Centre of York Region program manager Allison Hermann.
Newmarket Mayor John Taylor is supporting the Fill a Purse for a Sister campaign this year, accepting a challenge from Whitchurch-Stouffville Mayor Iain Lovatt to raise more purse donations in our community.
“This is an opportunity to bring dignity and support to women and girls in our community who are in crisis,” Taylor said in a video seeking the community's support of the campaign. “Please, Newmarket, get behind this campaign.”
The evening includes entertainment courtesy of piano player David Pilkey and appetizers, sponsored by Cachet’s Jenn McLachlan and Deb Hatton of Deb’s Dips, who will share her journey of using shelter and support programs to becoming a successful business owner.
You’ll receive a ticket for each donation you make to be entered into draws for fabulous prizes, sponsored by Shiseido, Saje, Function Studio, Still in Style, Goulash House, Trayvino Wines and Lightfall Publishing Group.
To contribute to the Fill a Purse for a Sister Campaign, simply fill a new or gently used purse or backpack with toiletries, sanitary products and other personal items. Add your own special touch, such as a scarf, gloves, notebook or gift card — and a caring note to the recipient is especially appreciated. You can find more ideas and information here.
“Most of us take our purses everywhere with us, but most women in shelters don’t have a purse,” said Freedman. “The Fill a Purse for a Sister Campaign not only provides women and youth with a purse or backpack to call their own, but also the gift of dignity.”
The drive has grown every year since since its launch in York Region and the GTA in 2014, with more than 10,000 purses collected throughout the province and in campaigns springing up in communities across Canada and around the globe.If you prefer, you can make a donation of $25 or more and receive a tax receipt.
To support the Abuse Hurts toy drive, purchase a new toy for babies to teens aged 16. You can find out more about Abuse Hurts and how to donate here.
With the rise in domestic violence throughout the pandemic, the need this holiday season will be greater than ever, Strezov said.
Newmarket-based Abuse Hurts provides hope through accessible support, healing and individual empowerment for adult survivors, their families and caregivers.
All COVID-19 guidelines will be followed at the event, including proof of full vaccination and symptom screening to enter Cachet.
