A group of Tri-City women is giving hope back to women fleeing abusive situations with a charity project called Handbags of Hope.
It’s a simple idea: Collect purses and toiletries, and give them to women living in the shelter run by Tri-City Transitions.
By giving out handbags filled with necessary items such as deodorant, toothpaste and soap, the local members of the Canadian Royal Purple Society believe they can help women leaving domestic violence situations get back on their feet, even though some have left their homes with nothing but their children and the clothes on their back.
“These are small things but could really make a difference,” said Wendy McAlpine, holding up a bag of cotton balls, Q-Tips and a make-up sponge.
For the past few weeks, the Royal Purple group has been partnering with the Shaughnessy Station branch of Vancity Credit Union in Port Coquitlam. So far 70 purses have been collected, enough for now.
“One woman even turned over her purse, dumped everything out, and handed it over,” said Sally Hurst.
Still, more toiletries are needed, including toothpaste and toothbrushes, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, brushes and combs, cotton balls and Kleenex.
The women say Handbags of Hope is just one of a number of volunteer and charity projects in which Royal Purple volunteers are involved.
“People have been so generous,” said Hurst, a Port Coquitlam resident and longtime member of the Royal Purple, which used to be part of Elks Lodge until becoming an independent women’s organization three years ago.
Items can be dropped off the Shaughnessy Station Vancity, located at 2850 Shaughnessy St., PoCo, during regular business hours. As well, the local group is looking for new members, with women of all ages accepted.
• For more information, or to contribute, email [email protected] or call 604-942-9405.
