New Life Challenge!

UPDATE: click the "PHOTOS" link under 'Pages' to see some pics of this Good Deed Challenge!

Imagine suddenly fleeing your home with nothing but the clothes on your back...

This NEW LIFE challenge gives you the opportunity to help women starting a new life AND AT THE SAME TIME, give a 'new life' to some of your perfectly-good-but-never-used products/clothing that are just collecting dust on your shelves.

The Crisis Shelter and Residence at the YWCA in Saskatoon accepts a range of items to help the women that temporarily stay there. Last year, they housed 951 women, children, and youth at risk - but they also had to turn away just as many.  Click here for their website.

For these women, something as simple as the novelty of a new shampoo, some yummy lotion, or some winter gloves could help bring back some sense of normalcy and dignity to their troubled lives. You never know what a little bit of new makeup, hair products, and an outfit can do for a woman's self-perception .. It just might be one girl's ticket to a better life!  ...Look at it this way: New products = higher self-esteem = successful job interview = income, self-sufficiency = NEW LIFE!!!  ... Don't you want to be part of that?!

YOUR MISSION, 

should you choose to accept it:

*EVERYTHING MUST BE IN CLEAN, GOOD, USABLE CONDITION*

Toileteries:
- New or gently used shampoos/conditioners/lotions (hotel size is great but not necessary)
- New or gently used and clean makeup items
- New or gently used brushes or combs
- Soaps, nailpolish, feminine hygiene products
- New toothbrushes, toothpastes, floss
*No aerosol cans, please

Clothing:
- Seasonal clothing to stay warm this winter
- Socks, new underwear
- Twin size blankets/ quilts
- PJs
*If you have other clothing (ie not winter clothing), there is a place at #4-511 1st Ave called the YWCA Opportunity Shop that will take your items and sell them. The proceeds will go to the YWCA (I was told that they've donated about $600,000 to the YWCA Saskatoon so far; usually about $20,000 / year!!!) You can contact them at 242-8002.

For Children:
- Baby bottles, sippy cups, formula, baby blankets, PJs/sleepers, clothing
- Diapers (generally size 5 and 6)
- Toys (but no stuffed animals and the toys should not be overly large)


THE COLLECTION:
If you want me to pick up your items to deliver them for you, I can do so! Please email me at friendindeed@hotmail.ca to make arrangements.
You could also drop off your items yourself at the YWCA: 510 25th St E, Saskatoon. Call the shelter at 244-7034 ext 132 if you need more information. **But if you drop off things yourself, please email me to let me know you have done so - I'd like to keep track of how many people get involved in this challenge!!!

THIS CHALLENGE IS NOW CLOSED! 

A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED!!! 

THE DONATIONS WERE ALL SUCCESSFULLY DELIVERED TO:

- The YWCA Crisis Shelter & Residence
- The Interval House
- The Adelle House
- The Mumford House / Salvation Army

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS GOOD DEED CHALLENGE

Quest to find the true Spirit of Christmas:

For my very first blog entry, I'd like to start with an easy CHALLENGE! It's simple and is promised to give you an extra spring in your step this holiday season!

CHALLENGE #1:

HELP  MAKE CHRISTMAS HAPPEN FOR OTHERS!

If you personally knew someone who went to sleep every night clutching a growling stomach, wouldn't you DO something for them?

Now imagine that's you. Wouldn't you hope beyond hopes that someone out there who HAS the ability to help you ... would help?

I have come across some people who have humbly asked for some blessings this Christmas.

1) "V" - a single mother of a 7 yr old boy and 6 yr old girl. Last year, they had to relocate to Saskatoon with only their clothes. They recently moved into a new place with nothing but a bed, a dresser, and their clothes. Any donations of food, furniture, or gifts would truly give this family a REAL CHRISTMAS.

2) "S" - a 20 year old girl who took in her siblings: a 5 year old boy, and three girls aged 10, 13, 16 years.  She can barely afford food and anything would help. There are apparently 6 people living in a 2 bedroom apartment. 

3) "J" - a father of 4 kids and cannot afford gifts this Christmas. Any gently used toys you no longer need would be appreciated - three girls aged 2, 3, and 4; one boy age 9.  

4) "D" - a father with a wife and 2 toddlers who will likely be evicted in January due to inability to pay rent. They need food right now. (And maybe gifts for the kiddies?)

5) Our Furry Friends: - The SPCA as well as a non-profit animal shelter is looking for donations of dog or cat food, bird food, small animal food, timothy hay etc... They rely on people for help but don't always have enough and anything is deeply appreciated.
The SPCA has a wish list: click here to see the list 

I will be collecting FOOD (both the human and pet variety) and GIFTS for these people to deliver on December 22nd. Any extra food would go directly to the Food Bank.

You literally have the ability to give someone else a CHRISTMAS ... So will you?

YOUR MISSION,  

should you choose to accept it:  
1) Email me at friendindeed@hotmail.ca to say you are going to help.

2) Put some food or gifts into a bag and leave it on your doorstep and I'll come get it. Alternatively, you could drop it off to me if you're up for it. Let me know what you'd prefer.

3) Feel GOOD.

(IT'S JUST SO SIMPLE!!!!!!!!!)

How easy is THAT?!  :) YAHOO! Success!  :)

*AND if you know of any others in need, please email me.