Giving the gift of self-care to women in need, especially during one of the most stressful times of the year, is the main goal of local community group Women Helping Women (WHW).
This year, they are wanting to pack 1,000 gift boxes for women facing difficult times.
“We just want women to have a day for themselves, like, they’re taking so much time to take care of their children or take care of the crises in their lives. We just want to be able to give that gift of self-care to a woman at this time of year – just a little bit of warmth and ‘let me take care of myself so I can take care of others’,” says organizer and Ladner resident Pindi Mann.
Pyjamas, deodorant, body wash and lotion, umbrellas, razors, toothbrushes and menstrual products are just some of the items that WHW is looking for, all of which must be in new and unopened condition.
They are also accepting $20 or less gift cards to Tim Hortons, McDonalds and Dairy Queen, and $25 and greater gift cards to Walmart.
“[The WHW team], we’re very fortunate. We’re not living through crises and the trauma that some of these women are living through, but we still get tired – just as moms in our day-to-day life – so, we can’t imagine what the lives of those moms must be,” says Mann.
Being able to help out, even in the way of giving a simple gift box to somebody in need, is what keeps the team coming back to this campaign year after year.
“We’re hoping for the community’s support ... They’ve always stood behind us for the past 10 years, and we’re hoping they’ll stand behind us this year, as well,” says Mann.
“We’re hoping that on Dec. 2 we’ll be able to fulfill all the requests that have come in for Women Helping Women ... It’s all dependent on how many donations we get.”
The community group also has a GoFundMe set up for this year’s campaign for those who may find it easier to donate monetarily.
Within the South Delta area, Muddy River Landing, Ladner’s Royal Canadian Region, Ladner Village Arts and Crafts, Locks N Lashes, Deas Island Dance, Beauty Babe Studio, Myne Salon and Yoga Union will all be collecting donations for WHW up until Nov. 29.
There is also a box for donations outside of a Ladner residence at 4400 63A St..
Visit WHW’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/womenhelpingwomensince2010 for more details on what donations are being accepted, further drop-off locations and the link to their GoFundMe.
