Representatives from the Prince Albert women's shelter stand with members from the Prince Albert and Shellbrook Royal Purple lodges. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community support

Royal Purple makes big delivery to women’s shelter

Oct 20, 2022 | 2:00 PM

Over a dozen purple bags, containing various supplies for women and children, were part of a special delivery Thursday morning at the Prince Albert women’s shelter.

The donation was made by the Prince Albert and Shellbrook Royal Purple lodges. Board member Elaine Perkins explained they have a partnership with the brain injury association, and there is a link between brain injuries and victims of domestic violence.

“It’s a very touching thing for all of us because so many of us have either had family or know of people who have had a brain injury and we want to stop the violence,” she said.

The local delivery was part of a larger effort happening across the country as part of the first annual Purple Thursday.

Perkins explained when they reached out to the local business community, they received tremendous support including donations from Access Tire, Affinity Insurance, Northern Lights Casino, and Shopper’s Drug Mart.

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“Thank you to everyone and on that note please put your purple on,” Perkins said,

Brenda Pellerin, a support services worker at the shelter, was there to receive the bags and expressed her excitement.

“We are so appreciative and this is wonderful what they’ve been able to accomplish in such a short time. This is gonna brighten up so many days for our ladies and children who come here,” she said.

The shelter has nine family rooms and can accommodate around 25 people, with extra space in case of emergency. The clients who come to stay for up to six weeks, come from all parts of the country, on their journeys to get a clean start. While some funding comes from the Ministry of Justice, Pellerin explained they still rely on the community for help.

“We know Christmas is coming and that’s a really hard time for families and especially when you are in a new community, new environment, you are just getting your bearings together,” she said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell