After a three-year pause, the YWCA has re-launched its toiletry drive.
Donations can be dropped off at five locations around town: Sutherland’s Drugs, Weaver and Devore, Multiplex, Fieldhouse, and Lynn’s Place. They will then be given to the YWCA’s transitional and emergency housing programs, which include the Gotili Ko building, Lynn’s Place, and Alison McAteer House.
“With the rising cost of living, many folks are stuggling to afford grocieries and rent,” said Meaghan Brackenbury, the YWCA’s community outreach and advocacy coordinator.
She said clients in those progams are fleeing domestic violence and don’t have time to pack up enough daily essentials like toiletries.
The drive has been running for close to 15 years now. However, it was paused due to the pandemic.
Brackenbury said the association was able to access emergency funding to purchase toiletries to keep stocks up as best as possible.
She also said when last year’s wildfires forced residents of Hay River and K’atl’odeeche First Nation into the Multiplex, the association decided to give all the collected items one year ago to them.
“That was so everyone kept their focus on safety, so we are really excited to bring it back this year,” said Brackenbury.
The drive started on April 24 and will run untill May 13. Brackenbury said that people are still welcome to drop off a donation to the YWCA office even after the final day of the drive.
There is also an open mic event in a collaboration with Northwords NWT happening at Sundog Trading Post on May 11 at 7 p.m., in support of the drive. Those who attend can donate a toiletry item or pay a $10 cover charge for their entry ticket with all proceeds going to the YWCA.