The 3rd annual Woman to Woman event was held on Sunday, November 26 in Meaford. Hosted by Kim Neuendorff, Alicia Hutchings, and Jen Burak, 32 women from Owen Sound, Collingwood, Grey Highlands, Thornbury, Clarksburg, Griersville, and Kimberly came together to help two very important facilities that support women and children fleeing violence: The Women’s Centre Grey Bruce and My Friend’s House.
The ladies attending contributed an individual gift bag for one woman. Each bag contained something cosy, a sweet treat, and a $50 gift card, so that each recipient could purchase something of their choice at either Walmart or Giant Tiger. Each donor wrote a short personal note to each recipient, just to let her know that someone in the community cares.
In addition, two ‘beauty baskets’ were created, containing everything from body wash and nice soaps to toothpaste and tissues, since both facilities are always looking for items. You can check out their wish lists posted on their websites if the Christmas spirit moves you.
According to Kate Vanderwielen, board member from The Women’s Center, Grey Bruce, “The need is enormous and donations are down this season, so events like Woman to Woman are important for raising awareness.”
The Women’s Center Grey Bruce has recently purchased a house in Owen Sound in order to provide a specific safe space for a new Anti-Human Trafficking Program for Youth. Help is needed to renovate the house and they are currently looking to raise $150,000 to make this happen.
This year, My Friend’s House in Collingwood was added to the Woman to Woman event. Each year, 600 women and their children are served there; 200 through the Shelter Program and the balance through Outreach, Transition, and Children’s programs at this small facility. A truly amazing place that does so much with less funding than they actually need.
Both TWC and My Friend’s House are lifelines for women who are experiencing gender-based violence and abuse.
To find out more about about the shelters in our region or if you know a woman or youth in need of support check out their websites at: thewomenscentre.org and myfriendshouse.ca for contact info.
If you are interested in attending the 4th annual Woman to Woman in November 2024, contact Jen at: jenburak1@gmail.com and your name can be added to the email list. The more the merrier, as they say.
Finally, with the holidays approaching and many folks celebrating, it is always good to remember that not everyone lives in a safe and loving home.
