NEWS RELEASE
FILL A PURSE FOR A SISTER
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The Fill A Purse For A Sister Campaign, founded by Social Worker Angel Freedman in 2015, is dedicated to encouraging and providing comfort to women in crisis by collecting and donating new or gently-used purses filled with personal necessities and often, a little something special. These women often have no choice but to seek refuge and typically arrive with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
The purses are delivered to women’s shelters, social service agencies, and crisis centres across Canada as well as in Lagos, Nigeria, Glasgow, Scotland, and other locations in the UK. Starting as a localized initiative in York Region, it has grown exponentially, with 1500 purses in 2015, 10,000 in 2018, and the goal of 12,000 purses in 2019.
Newmarket and Mount Albert were two of the original communities involved. Today, there are campaigns in 75 towns and cities throughout Canada with over 30 Ambassadors volunteering their time and energy to make a real difference in the lives of these women.
“The need continues to grow, along with the number of people who are joining the campaign and sending a message of caring and hope to women and young people in need,” said founder Angel Freedman. “The Fill a Purse for a Sister Campaign not only provides women and youth a purse or backpack to call their own, but also the gift of dignity.”
A number of local business owners have also joined in to help make this campaign a success. Janet Wheeler, owner of The Corner Decor & More – Benjamin Moore Store and Real Estate Agent, Teresa Keating, both dedicated time, money, resources, and in Janet’s case, a convenient place for the community to bring their filled purses. Without the support of these women, so many purses would not have been collected.
“I’m repeatedly inspired by the kindness and generosity of our communities each year,” says Kimberley Ross, Local Business Owner and Fill A Purse For A Sister Regional Ambassador. “It’s a simple thing, but it makes a huge difference in the lives of women and youth in crisis. Far too many feel forgotten, especially at this time of year. This is a wonderful opportunity to let them know that they are seen and heard, and that they do matter.”
With the goal of becoming a registered charity, The Fill a Purse for a Sister Campaign will soon be able to provide tax receipts, in response to requests from businesses, in part, looking to support this growing movement with donations of items and money. Please visit the GoFundMe page for more information.
For how to get involved in the 2020 campaign, visit Fill a Purse for a Sister Campaign on Facebook or Instagram.
Angel Freedman can be reached at [email protected] and Kimberley Ross can be reached at [email protected].
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