What we see as "a simple act of kindness" — like donating a purse thoughtfully filled with personal items to a woman in crisis — "can really change someone's life," says Deb Hatton, a proud survivor of childhood trauma and a decades-long abusive relationship.
To this day, the successful local business owner has the little pewter angel given to her 20 years ago that symbolizes an act of kindness when she had nearly stopped believing in herself.
In the fledgling days of her business, Deb's Dips, she found herself feeling "humiliated" when she was unable to pay for the booth she had booked at one of the many shows where she was selling her dips and seasonings.
Rather than demand payment, the show organizer instead give her a hug, and the angel, and told her, "Deb, don't give up, it's going to be OK," Hatton recalled.
"I realize what was so impactful for me in that moment was that she believed more in me than I believed in myself. It was just that simple act of kindness, I will never, ever ever forget it and that really helped me to say, 'You know what, Deb, you can do this, you can straighten it out and you can get out of this relationship.' And here I am today."
Hatton acknowledges the "instrumental" role that the Women's Centre of York Region played in helping and propelling her to a new life.
As a supporter of the Fill a Purse for a Sister Campaign, she relates to how the act of providing a purse to a woman in need of support can inspire hope and provide dignity at a time when she needs it.
"That somebody cares, that somebody wants to support them ... That little angel was my little purse," she said. "Somebody saw value in me that I didn't see in myself. When we're down and out, it's just so easy to beat ourselves up and always see the negative things, not the positive. Sometimes it takes someone from the outside to see that first."
You can help support women and youth in our community's shelters and crisis centres at Newmarket's 9th annual Fill a Purse for a Sister Campaign event on Thursday, Nov. 2, sponsored by The George Brew House and Eatery, 236 Main St. South. Bring your gently used and new purses filled with personal necessities anytime between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
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, Women's Centre of York Region executive director Liora Sobel, and Newmarket Mayor John Taylor.
The free evening includes entertainment courtesy of country/pop/rock singer Bianca Rollo, as well as complimentary appetizers by The Irv at The George.
You’ll receive tickets for each purse donated or each monetary donation of $25 to be entered into draws for fabulous prizes, including a grand prize for a one-night stay in a deluxe king suite at Newmarket's boutique Postmark Hotel in 2024. Additional prize sponsors include Hempen Jewellers, Deb's Dip, Nutmeg Bake Shop, Still in Style, Scotiabank, Shiseido, Trayvino Wine Company, and Sheila Stewart.
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.
You can make a donation of $25 or more and receive a tax receipt to show at the party to be included in the prize draws.
