Fort Frances GM is calling on the community to help fill an SUV with essential supplies for women and children in need, as the dealership hosts its first Hope in Every Load donation drive throughout November.
The initiative, organized in support of the Rainy River District Women’s Shelter of Hope, is collecting new or gently used clothing, blankets, towels, toiletries and household essentials at the dealership at 1324 King’s Highway, next to the Walmart.
Jennifer Horton, marketing and public relations manager for the Beyak Automotive Group, said the campaign was inspired by a desire to provide practical assistance to women facing difficult circumstances.
“We know that often women leave in the middle of the night and have nothing, and we just want to be able to support and provide something to the community,” Horton said.
While the Beyak Automotive Group has a history of supporting local causes, Horton said this is the first time the dealership has organized a donation drive of this kind.
“We just wanted to try something a little bit different,” she said, noting that food and toy drives are already familiar fixtures in the community.
The response from residents has been encouraging, with an assortment of donated goods already gathering in the back of a large SUV at the dealership.
“It’s been amazing,” Horton said of the support received so far.
Organizers are hoping the donations will exceed the vehicle’s capacity, providing the shelter with a substantial supply of essential items.
Sharon Calder of the Women’s Shelter of Hope highlighted several everyday household items that are particularly needed by the women the shelter supports.
Kitchen and bath towels, bedding and basic kitchen equipment are among the priorities, with Calder mentioning that the shelter is currently in desperate need of a toaster.
One less obvious item is cutlery, which she said is consistently in short supply.
“Silverware is always in need,” Calder said. “Usually we get plates and we get some pots and pans, but it’s silverware that we always get very excited about.”
She added that the shelter has a list of women waiting for assistance, underlining the importance of collecting practical supplies that can help them establish or maintain a home.
The initiative has brought together representatives from several local organizations, including Calder and Ravyn Godbout of the Women’s Shelter of Hope, Jacquee Loerzel of Riverside Community Counselling, Horton, Fort Frances GM sales manager Jillian Armstrong and general manager Cherstin Whatley.
Donations are being accepted throughout November during Fort Frances GM’s regular business hours, Monday through Saturday.
Organizers hope residents will consider contributing whatever they can, whether that means donating spare household items, providing basic necessities or helping spread the word about the campaign.
