Prince Albert's Safeway is one of several businesses in the city hosting the purple boxes. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community support

Royal Purple collecting goods for Prince Albert women’s shelter

Sep 12, 2023 | 11:00 AM

A donation drive for the Prince Albert women’s shelter is in full swing.

It’s being organized by the local Royal Purple chapter. Elaine Perkins is secretary of the Prince Albert branch and president of the one in Shellbrook and told paNOW they aim to have a big year.

“Between Shellbrook and Prince Albert, we are looking at 60 care bags,” she said.

The donation drive runs until Oct. 19 and a number of boxes have distributed to various businesses including Safeway and Shopper’s Drug Mart in Prince Albert; and in Shellbrook at the town office,Woodlawn Pharmacy, Home Hardware and Zen Again Massage Therapy.

With respect to what items are needed, Royal Purple is asking mainly for personal hygiene products such as shampoos, combs, soap, nail clippers, and toothpaste. But because there’s also children who stay at the shelter with their mothers, there’s also a need for crayons and colouring books.

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Gift cards and cheques will also be accepted to purchase items. And for people who need items picked up, they can call Perkins directly by phone (306-961-7144).

Noting how her group deals with brain injury prevention, Perkins explained 80 per cent of victims of domestic violence incur some level of brain injury. This year’s fundraising drive marks only the second year the group has done it and it is a part of a larger national campaign.

“Last year we collected approximately 1,000 bags across Canada and that is just a tip of the iceberg.There is so much domestic violence out there,” Perkins said.

Following the drop off on Oct. 19, there will be a special event in Saskatoon at TCU Place. The guest speaker is CBC’s Anna Maria Tremonti — a survivor of domestic violence.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell