The Bradford Women’s+ Group is hosting the 3rd annual Fill-A-Purse for a Sister campaign.
This is the organization's second year leading the initiative after having participated in the program the first year.
The fundraiser seeks to collect gently-used or brand new purses (or backpacks) and fill them with products for women and young females. Items that include gloves, hats, scarfs, socks, make-up, lip balm, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, menstrual hygiene products, hand sanitizer or lotions, reusable face masks, hairbrushes, books, magazines, whistles or flashlights, tissues, notepads, pens, and gift cards.
The campaign runs the entire month of November and residents can participate by donating a full purse, empty purse, or just the items needed to fill a purse.
Additionally, people can make a financial donation directly to the charity here.
In 2019, the Bradford Women’s+ Group collected and filled 60 purses in just one week.
In 2020, 313 purses were collected throughout the month of November, and this year they hope to collect 500 purses.
While the initiative does allow gently used purses or bags, please note anything worn or soiled, ripped and torn, will not be accepted. For items inside the purses, no food, disposable masks, skin lightening creams, matches or lighters, candles, condoms, pregnancy tests, clothing, and medications are allowed.
Volunteers with the Bradford Women’s+ Group say anything that is donated to the campaign gets donated back into the community regardless, even if not included in the purses. For example, last year the group donated clothing and purses to CONTACT's The Clothes Line, and food and shopping bags went to the Helping Hand Food Bank.
“We have been blown away by the incredible generosity, love, and support from our community members and local businesses the past two years,” shares Jennifer Lloyd, volunteer and one of the founders of the Bradford Women’s+ Group.
“We weren't sure whether we'd even reach our goal of 100 purses last year because of everything that was going on with the pandemic and the financial constraints on people and families. So, we were shocked and amazed by all the donations we received,” she says. “It felt incredible to be able to give 313 purses and backpacks to people in our community, brighten their day, and show them that in tough times, they are not alone and their community cares about them.”
Lloyd suggests that if residents wish to conduct their own collections within their neighbourhoods, or among colleagues, friends, or family members, the Bradford Women’s+ Group are happy to drop off a box containing all the supplies needed to ‘fill a purse’ (e.g. wrapped box, clear plastic bags, instructions, cards to write nice notes on to include in their purses).
The Bradford Women's+ Group will also pick up the box at the end of the campaign (if needed).
“We (also) encourage people to share their donations on social media, tag us @bradfordwomensgroup and use the hashtags #fillapurseforasistercampaign and #fillapurseforasisterbradford,” adds Lloyd.
There are three main drop-off locations this year to assist in the collection of the purses/bags or other donated items:
- Times Designs (157 Holland St E.)
- Bradford Wellness Centre (140 Holland St. W., Unit 4)
- Goodlife Fitness (553 Holland St W.)
Other organizations within Bradford who are returning participants of the campaign include the Bradford Hustlers, F45, Jaydee’s Market, Lullaboo Nursery & Childcare Centre, and Bradford SWAN (Successful Women Always Networking).
“We are super grateful for the support of our local businesses in making the campaign so successful every year!” exclaims Lloyd.
For questions about the campaign, Lloyd offers her direct contact number: 905-251-9926 or by email: [email protected]
