Royal Purple Delivers Vital Support to Women’s Shelter in Saskatchewan

The Shellbrook chapter of Royal Purple made a significant contribution to the Prince Albert Safe Shelter for Women on October 19, 2023, by delivering 70 hygiene bags filled with essential items for women and children escaping domestic violence. This initiative was led by Elaine Perkins, the chapter president, who emphasized the urgent need to address high domestic violence rates in Saskatchewan during the donation event.

The hygiene bags contain vital products such as shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, items that many women may lack when fleeing abusive situations. Some of these items were purchased with funds donated by club members, while others were provided by local businesses. Perkins noted that across Canada, Royal Purple aims to distribute approximately 5,000 bags as part of their outreach efforts.

Raising Awareness on Purple Thursday

The timing of this donation coincides with Purple Thursday, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about interpersonal violence and its often-overlooked consequences, such as brain injuries. National statistics reveal that one in three women and one in five men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, with 80 percent of those affected suffering concussions. Alarmingly, a woman is murdered by an intimate partner every six days in Canada.

BrendaLee Pellerin, a support services worker at the shelter, shared the impact of the donation, stating, “It shows that we care, that other people in the community care about what they’re going through.” The hygiene bags serve as a source of comfort during a difficult time, and Pellerin explained that these items are also distributed during Christmas and to homeless individuals who seek support at the shelter.

Pellerin highlighted that many women arrive at the shelter with little more than the clothes on their backs, often without identification. “They call them hygiene bags and we call them blessing bags,” she said. “It’s such a blessing to be able to pass the spirit of generosity onto our ladies and children.”

Addressing Increasing Needs for Shelter

Reflecting on the pandemic’s impact, Pellerin noted a rise in interpersonal violence as families were confined at home with their abusers. While incidents have decreased since then, the need for shelters remains critical. “It’s more difficult when you have children with you to find a safe place,” she explained. “Anything a shelter can do to take in a lady and her children is invaluable for their well-being.”

This year, the Canadian Royal Purple expanded their efforts with the launch of Purple Thursday x 7, a week-long series of activities aimed at promoting awareness and support across the country. Sandi Lougheed, chair of the Canadian Royal Purple’s Charitable Initiatives Committee, stated, “Our Purple Care Bag campaign and education have been so successful, one day was no longer enough.” The week includes a media day, educational initiatives, local activities, and fundraising events.

The demand for family beds in shelters has steadily increased since 2020, with nearly 20,000 people spending their nights in such facilities. Lougheed remarked on the positive outcomes of raising awareness, saying, “We are pleased to see the effects of awareness empowering women to break the cycle of violence and seek a new life. These brain injuries are 100 percent preventable if we stop the violence.”

Through initiatives like these, Royal Purple and its partners are making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence, highlighting the power of community support in addressing a pressing social issue.