In just one day, OrilliaMatters’ online pop-up store in support of Green Haven Shelter for Women sold out

International Women’s Day, March 8, is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women, but it is also a call to action for ending gender inequality here in Canada and around the world.

Women are particularly vulnerable when it comes to homelessness, domestic abuse and sexual violence. 

That is why we are spearheading an online pop-up store fundraiser to help Green Haven Shelter for Women provide safe shelter, services and necessities to women facing these challenges here in our community.

And you can help make a difference too.

Zehrs Orillia has donated gift cards for our loyal readers to purchase for the women’s shelter through an online pop-up store.

OrilliaMatters is matching the value of the care package donations with a cash donation to the shelter.

But that’s not all.

We know that Orillia and Lake Country is full of caring individuals and businesses who would generously donate to this initiative as well. So, we contacted a number of local businesses to see if they would also like to match reader contributions with a cash donation. 

As a result, for every gift card purchased for the shelter in our pop-up store from now until March 7 at 12 p.m., each dollar will be matched six times and all proceeds will go directly to the shelter. 

That means your $25 donation will be turned into a $175 donation!

Here is how you can buy a gift card in support of Green Haven Shelter for Women:

• Log in to your OrilliaMatters+ member account (or register for free). 
• Select a gift card you would like to donate and enter your credit card details.
• Check the 'Confirm’ button and click ‘Donate’ to confirm your purchase.
• That's it, you did it! You gave back to our local women’s shelter in a big way.

Thanks to the following businesses who have joined us in matching each donation: 

Jim Wilson Chevrolet Buick GMC, Julie Cleaveley - Century 21 B.J Roth Realty, Karen O’Coin - BMO Nesbitt Burns, Parklane Landscapes and the Rotary Club of Orillia.

Programs like this and support from businesses and community members - like you - help us to give back to Orillia in a meaningful way.