GUELPH – The Guelph-Wellington Basketeers are returning again this holiday season to support Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis (GWWIC).
On Nov. 25, community members are encouraged to bring baskets filled with household and personal care items for women transitioning from a shelter to new or existing homes.
“[GWWIC] identify kitchen items and bathroom items as top priority,” said Guelph-Wellington Basketeers director Laura Blinkhorn.
When curating a basket, Blinkhorn provides six reminders: items should be new; no sized clothing; no food or beverages; basket wrapping is optional; attach an itemized list to the outside of the basket.
“One of the ways we support women through our services is to provide some of the household items that they have left behind,” said Christine Wilson, shelter program manager of Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis.
“We want them to be comfortable in their new home, without the worry and expense of setting up an entire household. We are able to help provide some of these items through community support campaigns like Basketeers.”
The Guelph-Wellington Chapter of the Basketeers started in 2009.
“It was very small, it was a lady that ran it; it was just kind of neighbours coming together and donating a few baskets,” said Blinkhorn.
“I moved to Fergus from Toronto in 2013, and I was familiar with Basketeers from the Toronto chapter, which was big,” she added.
“I got in touch with the lady here, and was surprised how small it was. So, she actually moved and I took it over in 2016.”
In 2022, the Basketeers received 90 baskets and raised $6,500 in gift cards for Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis. Submitted photo
Since Blinkhorn took over, the group has continued to grow. Pre-COVID it would receive about 200 donated baskets.
“Unfortunately, we weren’t able to do the baskets for two years [because of COVID]. But last year, we got back to it. We did 90 [baskets] last year plus $6,500 in gift cards,” she said.
Monetary donations were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and have since stayed with the Basketeers.
They help purchase gift cards to Walmart and Canadian Tire for the women who need them.
“That works well just because a lot of women maybe need some different things that the baskets don’t have,” said Blinkhorn.
The deadline for monetary donations this year is Nov. 18. No tax receipts will be issued for donations as Basketeers is not a registered charity.
The Nov. 25 event will accept basket drop-offs from 9am to 1:30pm at the Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis centre (38 Elizabeth St., Guelph).
Attendees are welcome to stay around to chat, look at the baskets and enjoy a coffee and treats. Attendees may also spot some volunteer elves from high schools in Guelph who will help bring in the baskets.
Anyone wanting to donate online can send an e-transfer to guelph-wellington@basketeers.org.
If using a security question, email Blinkhorn at guelph-wellington@basketeers.org to let her know how to answer it.
Donations can also be made via check, payable to Guelph-Wellington Basketeers. Email Blinkhorn at guelph-wellington@basketeers.org and she will provide an address.
For more information or to register a basket, visit basketeers.org.
