The Genesis House shelter for the victims of domestic violence put a call out last month for donations of comfy clothing, and the community certainly responded.
The South Central Regional Library branches in Winkler, Morden, Altona, Miami, and Manitou all served as drop-off points for the annual Power of PJs campaign, and last Thursday shelter reps stopped by the Winkler library to pick everything up.
The haul filled the back of three vehicles with countless bags and boxes filled with pyjamas, socks, slippers, and other goodies. In all, 206 items came in, far exceeding their goal of reaching at least 75 pairs of PJs for the women and children who will seek safe haven at Genesis House in the year ahead.
“People just love buying pyjamas,” laughed Ang Braun, Genesis House executive director, as she assessed the giant pile of donations. “This is absolutely amazing.”
Some of the people who come to stay at the shelter, fleeing an abusive relationship, arrive with little more than the clothes on their backs. Thanks to this campaign, they’ll be enveloped in the community’s love and care.
“Every person that comes in gets pyjamas, they get a quilt. Every child that comes in gets a stuffed toy,” Braun said. “We wouldn’t be able to do any of those things without the community.”
Braun sends her thanks out to every person who donated to this year’s campaign, and to the SCRL for once again offering to provide space across the region for the drop-off boxes.
If you need help, you can connect with Genesis House online at genesishouseshelter.ca or via their 24-hour crisis line at 204-325-9800.
