TIMMINS - People are getting access to essential items thanks to a new group.
The inaugural meeting of the Women Who Care Timmins group was held on Jan. 26 at the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre.
The dozen members of the group decided to donate to the Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) Crisis Worker Courage Program, which provides support to Indigenous women, youth, and girls who are escaping human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
The $1,200 donation will go toward bags containing clothing, toiletries, and other essential items for the program’s clients.
To raise the money, at the group's quarterly members each donates $100. All the donations go directly to the chosen cause.
"The enthusiasm is there," said Kim Hallworth, 100 Women Who Care Timmins and Area chair. "I'm looking forward to growing this and moving forward with it, and hopefully bringing some good energy to the community."
Any new members who join before Feb. 2 will have their donation added to the funds going to the ONWA program.
"This is the only time our meetings will be left open, and it's because it's the first one, so if there are other people who still want to join, they have until Sunday," said Hallworth.
The local branch of the organization is part of one of over 800 branches worldwide.
During the meeting, they also announced the members of their steering committee, including Hallworth, Rollie Allaire, Anne-Marie Sorsa, Teena Simpson, Mary Laneville, Noella Rinaldo, Penny Paquette, and Lorraine Laiho.
The group will meet next at the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre on Sunday, April 27, at 2 p.m.