Local campaign Heartfilled Handbags is back for its second year after experiencing great success last year.
“We started on blue Monday kind of on purpose because that’s often said to be one of the toughest times of the year for people,” said founder of the campaign, Shawna MacCallum.
“There’s a time of the year when a lot of people are struggling with depression and loneliness and I think it might help to focus on others who might be experiencing a difficult situation.”
The campaign aims to empower women in the Guelph-Wellington Women In Crisis shelters by gifting them brand new handbags filled with self-care items and a note of encouragement inside for Valentine’s Day week.
This year, MacCallum added another component to the initiative by including new grocery bags for donation.
“You buy the bag, you buy a card, but that grocery card helps someone who needs to buy something for their child or for their kid’s lunch, or who knows what,” said MacCallum.
The campaign started on Jan. 20 and will run until Feb. 10. Anyone looking to donate can drop their bags at any Planet bean Location.
Donated items will be distributed the week of Valentine’s day to women who use the services in Guelph-Wellington Women In Crisis and Marianne’s Place.
MacCallum said she also wants to bring to attention to the work that the Guelph-Wellington Women In Crisis does for women in difficult circumstances. And with this initiative, the community can offer a token of support.
Last year alone, the Guelph-Wellington Women In Crisis received 2,989 crisis calls according to an annual report.
“I think it’s important even if it helps one person whos going through a rough time just to show that this situation isn’t permanent and just to help to offer them a hand up,” said MacCallum.
