NEWS RELEASE
BRADFORD WOMEN’S+ GROUP
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The Bradford Women’s+ Group is thrilled to announce the overwhelming success of their annual collection of handbags and essential items, filling and donating a record-breaking 367 purses with essential items this year.
For the second year in a row, donations were collected as part of the Handbags of Hope campaign supporting Abuse Hurts, a local charity that provides free emergency resources to people escaping violence and abuse. The handbags, filled with items like toiletries, winter wear, and personal care products, offer much-needed comfort and hope during the holiday season and beyond.
“We are inspired by the incredible generosity of our community again this year, surpassing last year’s record of 314 purses,” said Jennifer Lloyd, co-founder of the Bradford Women’s+ Group. “It’s heartwarming to see so many people come together to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Throughout the month of November, donations poured in at “Hope Hubs” set up across town, including gently used handbags and essential items such as deodorant, shampoo, tampons, toothpaste, lip balm, and more. Volunteers gathered at the BWG Library on December 1 to carefully pack and prepare the bags for delivery. Handbags also received a hand-written card with a warm message of hope, offering words of encouragement and solidarity to those receiving them.
The filled handbags have been delivered to Abuse Hurts, which will distribute them to women affected by violence and abuse, as well as shelters and other organizations in the region.
In the five years since the Bradford Women’s+ Group was founded, the group has collected and donated over 1,600 handbags and backpacks filled with essential items to local non-profits and charities during the holiday season. Not only do the handbags provide helpful, practical support, but for individuals rebuilding their lives after escaping violence or abuse, receiving a thoughtfully packed bag can remind them that they are not alone. It’s a powerful symbol that people in their community care about them and are thinking of them as they take steps towards safety and healing.
The Bradford Women’s+ Group expressed heartfelt gratitude to the local businesses, volunteers, and community members who contributed to the campaign’s success, including Bradford Wellness, GoodLife Fitness, South Simcoe Wreaths, Sweet B’s Catering and Confectionery, Victoria Bourque Beauty Boutique, Times Designs Custom Apparel Printing & Embroidery, Boston Pizza Bradford, Bella Lovelee Beads, Bradford Farmers’ Market, Erin’s Hair Studio, Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library, Kinnect Studio, Breathe Hot Yoga & Wellness Studio, Empowered by Dawn, Mother Mary Soap Co., Bradford Laser Centre, Northern Naturally Nourish, BWG Diversity, Baha’i Womens Group, G’s Beauty and Laser Clinic, Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association, RBC Bradford, LSRCA (Scanlon Creek), Santos Hair Studio, Bradford Hustlers, Lullaboo Nursery & Childcare Center, Silva Custom Furniture, MIMPA, Olundara Foundation, RealStar – 70 Drury St, Bradford Jewellery by Peter Dykie, The Dental Corner, Bradford Academy of Music, Bradford Dental Care, Cabana Tan Bradford, Bradford Skin Clinic, Cote Family Eyecare, and St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School.
About Abuse Hurts: Headquartered in Newmarket, Ontario, Abuse Hurts is a charitable organization that has been serving Canadians since 1993. The organization’s mission is to significantly reduce the incidence and impact of abuse through education and public awareness. Notably, Abuse Hurts operates solely on private donations, without any sustaining funds from government sources. Their primary goal is to raise awareness about the true cost of neglect and abuse while currently supporting numerous organizations nationwide, including children’s services, victim’s services, shelters, and other agencies that assist tens of thousands of individuals whose lives have been affected by abuse. Abuse Hurts launched their Handbags of Hope collection drive in 2022.
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