In a move to address the increasing issue of gender-based violence in Canada, Kingston Basketeers is partnering with Kingston Interval House to offer practical aid to local women at risk. The initiative aims to gather gift baskets filled with new household or personal items for women transitioning from emergency shelters.
Each year, more than 100,000 Canadian women and children are driven out of their homes and into shelters due to violence and abuse. Against this backdrop, the Basketeers, active for over two decades, is entering its fifth year of helping at-risk women in Kingston. “I’m excited to celebrate Kingston Basketeers’ fifth year of supporting women who are making a new start after transitioning from violence to a shelter. Our community has made this campaign a success each year and I know 2023 will be no different,” said Claire LaPlante, Chapter Lead of Kingston Basketeers.
To facilitate donations, the organization has specified that laundry-sized baskets should be filled with new items categorized by personal or household themes. This segregation allows for easier distribution based on individual circumstances. Each basket donated will be directed to a survivor of gender-based violence.
In addition to material donations, cash contributions are also being accepted to purchase gift card bundles, thereby enabling women to acquire essential items. However, it should be noted that Basketeers is not a registered charity, and therefore, tax receipts will not be issued.
Interested donors can register a basket online. For cash contributions, an e-transfer can be made to Kingston@basketeers.org.
The Basket Drop-Off Day event is scheduled for November 26, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. when donors can bring their registered, fully-wrapped baskets to the INVISTA CENTRE Meeting Room A.
Image (cropped): Kingston Basketeers
