Since then, the campaign has grown significantly since its humble beginnings at my kitchen table. With generous donors’ support, we raised $32,373 in gift cards from 2013 to 2021. Gift cards supported families accessing services at WIN House, a non-profit agency in Edmonton, Alberta, operating three shelters: WIN 1, WIN II, and Carol’s House.

 

In 2022, the campaign supported S.H.A.D.E. (Safe Housing and Directed Empowerment) Inc., a charity in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Charitable Registration # 829036177RR0001). In 2023, thanks to supporters like you, we raised $2,555 to purchase gift cards for clients impacted by domestic abuse, and in 2022, we raised $3,515.

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November Launch - Family Violence Prevention Month

I am deeply grateful for your continued support and excited to announce that in the 12th year, the annual gift card campaign will again partner with SHADE. Your contributions have made a real difference in the lives of those impacted by domestic abuse. SHADE program and service information can be found here: www.shadewinnipeg.org/services.

 

As November is Family Violence Awareness Month, your contributions are especially meaningful. They will help clients facing domestic abuse by removing financial and transportation barriers. Gift cards allow immigrant and refugee women to make essential purchases like groceries (e.g., grocery stores such as No Frills, Giant Tiger, Superstore, Safeway, Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, FreshCo, or any other accessible and affordable place), baby formula, diapers, and even mattresses for a safe night’s sleep. When families are escaping abusive homes, they are often faced with financial and transportation barriers. Prepaid gas cards (e.g., Esso & Mobil eGift Cards) can help mothers drive their children to activities, court hearings, and social programs at SHADE. You can also donate unused gift cards. This year, we’re also focusing on bringing joy to children and supporting pets. Gift cards for treats at Dairy Queen, McDonald’s, and other restaurants can give children joy and comfort during tough times. Pet store gift cards also allow clients to care for their beloved animals, ensuring survivors and pets can start healing.

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I encourage you to share the gift card campaign details (see below) with your friends and family or host a gift card donation drive at your workplace. You can email me (Wendy) about the process of tracking generous supporters in your network.

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You may also wish to use social media to share the campaign with your networks. You can follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @waujla or Instagram @wendya12 for updates on the campaign. Help spread the message over social media by using the hashtags #GiftCards4SHADE and #SHADEforSurvivors.

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How Do I Donate?

Gift cards will support immigrant and refugee women and their children who have been impacted by domestic abuse.

 

You can donate in three ways towards the gift card campaign by the December 31, 2024 deadline:

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1. Donate Online

• Click here to donate safely through CanadaHelps.

• SHADE will purchase Gift Cards on your behalf and distribute them to immigrant women in need.

 

2. In Person

• Edmonton:

  • Contact me (Wendy) for gift card pick-up or drop-off

  • waujla@gmail.com or 780-238-2321

• Winnipeg:

  • Contact Sherrie for gift card pick-up or drop-off

  • swinstanley@shadewinnipeg.org or 204-880-3022

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3. Mail SHADE a Gift Card

• Mail gift cards to SHADE! Include a note inside the envelope indicating Wendy’s 12th Annual Gift Card Campaign.

  • MAILING ADDRESS:

    • SHADE Winnipeg

    • PO BOX 49117 Garden City

    • Winnipeg, MB R2V 4G8

 

Tax receipts available for donations of $20 and higher.

• Online donations through CanadaHelps will automatically generate a tax receipt and email it to you.

• For in-person and mail donations of actual gift cards, please provide your full name, address, email/phone number, and receipt showing the cost. SHADE will then issue you a tax receipt in January 2025.

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Thank You For Your Support!