GUELPH – The Guelph- Wellington Basketeers are running their annual Christmas event, with a goal of providing 140 gift baskets to women in crisis.
Every fall season leading up to the holidays the Basketeers reach out to people in the community and accept donations of laundry baskets filled with basic items for women starting over and moving into a new home.
The Basketeers are partnered with the Guelph- Wellington Women in Crisis shelter.
“The Basketeers initiative has been a valuable support for women using our agency services,” said Christine Wilson, residential program manager of the Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis centre.
“The baskets help alleviate some of the struggles of having to transition to a safer home, often with a few household items.”
She added, “the benefit of Basketeers is that we can assist women with some basic start up needs throughout the year, as they re-establish a home with their children. It is a wonderful feeling to be able to help someone out with a fresh start.”
The gifts include personal care items with the priority being kitchen and bathroom items.
Laura Blinkhorn, coordinator of the Guelph-Wellington Basketeers, notes there are no strict rules about what the baskets should contain, as long as the items are new.
“Every single one is very unique,” she said.
“I find it becomes very personal, when people sit and think about, ‘What would I need if I had to start over?’ And go from there.”
Assembled baskets can be dropped off on Nov. 23 at the Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis centre at 38 Elizabeth Street in Guelph.
Participants can go right to the community room, where there will be coffee and snacks.
Groups and individuals can assemble baskets. Participants must register ahead of time at www.basketeers.org.
“Our chapter is Guelph-Wellington and if you go right to our page there is a registration, it comes straight to me and I communicate directly,” said Blinkhorn.
