Our community never ceases to amaze us with its generosity

Wow. Just . . . wow. As we start a new year, we are so grateful for the compassionate support we receive from you, the community we serve, because that compassion flows right to those who need it most: women and children working to escape violence and build lives of dignity.

We know the requests for help come all year long, and especially thick and fast in November and December. There are so many local organizations doing wonderful work to help others, and we know that your generosity extends to them, too.

In return, we offer a humble, heartfelt “Thank you!” Thank you for donating gifts to our Elf Express Program and for sponsoring women and families so they could enjoy the beauty of Christmas without having to worry about how to pay for presents. Thank you to both the City of Kawartha Lakes and Durham Shoebox Projects for organizing wonderful gift boxes, cards with gift cards and so much more for the women we serve. Thank you to all the workplaces and individuals who collected everything from cozy robes, filled purses, toys and gift cards to personal care items for those in our shelter. Thank you to the very talented individuals who knitted and crocheted hats, mitts and scarves along with the quilters who made beautiful quilts – all gifts that are appreciated throughout the cold winter months.

Thank you to our amazing business sponsors whose unfailing support is allowing us to bring the wonderful Jann Arden to the FLATO Academy Theatre for this year’s sold-out Marquee Event in February. Thank you to all of you who responded so generously to our annual direct mail appeal, and then dug even deeper to contribute to our Open The Door campaign that will see safe, affordable second-stage housing for women who need a bridge to living fully on their own. Thank you to all who purchase our CASH PLUS RAFFLE! Tickets with proceeds supporting many of our services. Thank you to our local media for making sure the word gets out to the community when we need it the most.

We at Women’s Resources are incredibly fortunate to be starting 2023 feeling humble and grateful, thanks to you. Life can be hard. The need is great. And it’s not always easy to stop to appreciate the good that surrounds us. Let’s continue to be thankful for all we have, for all we share, and for each other.

By Nancy Payne