An Orillia retirement residence is hard at work to support local women in need.
During the month of April, the Atrium Retirement Residence is collecting purses, bags, and essential items for women living in local shelters as part of its Pack-a-Purse program.
“One of our sister homes started doing it in Gravenhurst during the pandemic,” explained executive director Shelly Nobile. “They were able to gather 250 purses and got them to people in women’s shelters.”
The Gravenhurst initiative was well appreciated, Nobile says, so it’s now a company-wide fundraiser at 15 homes. The goal is to gather 100 purses per home.
“Often when people land at a women’s shelter, they have nothing,” Nobile said. “Places like the Lighthouse definitely have a need for it.”
Purses must be dropped off at Atrium Retirement Residence, at 230 Coldwater Rd., before May 6. Once they are gathered, the plan is to fill bags with lip balm, face cream, slippers, socks, makeup, sunscreen, feminine hygiene products, chocolate bars, pens, colouring supplies, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hairbrushes and other essential purse or bag items.
“If people would drop off those sorts of items to us, we would be more than grateful,” Nobile said. “After that, our staff and residents are going to pitch in to get them all packed and delivered.”
Almost 30 purses and bags have been donated by community members so far. Current and former staff and former staff of Atrium Retirement Residence have already been chipping in by donating essential items.
“It’s been overwhelming so far,” Nobile said. “We are confident that support is going to continue.”
The initiative has lifted spirits at the local retirement home, and Nobile says it always feels good to help others in need.
“These days, things are really tight,” she said. “For anyone to be interested in donating to us means so much.”
