A local philanthropic group is stuffing Handbags of Hope to hand out to Comox Valley women in the new year.
Throughout the summer, the P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter BM Courtenay has been collecting shampoo, socks, toiletries, personal hygiene items and more to stuff in their large assortment of handbags. This is the first time the chapter has participated in Handbags for Hope initiative. The group hopes to pass out the handbags to women in need.
“Because next year, 2019, is going to be [P.E.O Sisterhood’s] 150th birthday in North America… we set ourselves a goal of packing 150 bags,” said Valetta Nixon, chair of the local chapter’s philanthropic committee, on Wednesday. “Today we’re having our first pack-a-thon. Now we’re packing as many of the [handbags] as we can and we’ll take note of what is left and what we need to top up.”
As well as essentials, in each bag, the group is also including a little gift item and a card with words of encouragement to let the women know they’re cared for.
The P.E.O. Courtenay chapter has been operating since 2006 and they currently have 23 members.
Nixon says the group also fundraises throughout the year to offer grants, low-interest loans and scholarships to support women and help them reach their educational goals.
To donate or to get involved, contact Nixon at valettanixon@gmail.com.
