Royal Purple Delivers 70 Care Bags to Support Domestic Violence Victims

The Shellbrook Royal Purple made a significant contribution to the Prince Albert Safe Shelter for Women by delivering 70 care bags filled with essential hygiene items. This initiative, led by the president of Shellbrook Royal Purple, Elaine Perkins, aims to support women and children who escape domestic violence situations. During the handover, Perkins expressed her emotional commitment to tackling the high rates of domestic violence in Saskatchewan, highlighting the urgent need for community involvement.

The care bags, often referred to as “blessing bags,” contain items such as shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, and toothbrushes—essential products that individuals may lack when fleeing unsafe environments. The bags were compiled with financial contributions from club members and generous donations from local businesses. Perkins noted that the organization plans to distribute approximately 5,000 bags across Canada as part of a broader initiative.

Raising Awareness for Domestic Violence

The delivery coincided with Purple Thursday, a day dedicated to raising awareness about interpersonal violence and its impact, including brain injuries. National statistics reveal that one in three women and one in five men will experience domestic violence during their lifetime, with 80 percent of those affected suffering concussions. Tragically, every six days in Canada, a woman is murdered by an intimate partner.

BrendaLee Pellerin, a support services worker at the Prince Albert Safe Shelter, reflected on the significance of the donation. “It shows that we care, that other people in the community care what they’re going through,” she stated. Pellerin explained that the bags are distributed not only during the Christmas season but also to homeless individuals who seek assistance. Many women arrive at the shelter with little more than the clothes on their backs, and these hygiene items can make a crucial difference.

The pandemic exacerbated rates of interpersonal violence, as individuals were confined at home with their abusers. Although there has been a slight decline in cases since then, Pellerin emphasized the ongoing need for shelters, especially for women with children. “It’s more difficult when you have children with you to be able to find a safe place,” she noted, underscoring the risks families face without access to secure accommodations.

Expanding Community Initiatives

In response to the growing need for support, the Canadian Royal Purple has expanded its annual awareness campaign, introducing Purple Thursday x 7, which spans an entire week. “Our Purple Care Bag campaign and education have been so successful, one day was no longer enough,” stated Sandi Lougheed, chair of the Canadian Royal Purple’s Charitable Initiatives Committee. This week-long event includes media outreach, educational activities, and local initiatives aimed at raising funds and awareness for prevention.

The need for shelter services has steadily increased, with nearly 20,000 people seeking refuge from domestic violence each night across Canada. The Royal Purple emphasizes that awareness and prevention are essential to empowering women to break the cycle of violence. “These brain injuries are 100 percent preventable if we stop the violence,” Pellerin concluded, reinforcing the collective responsibility to address this critical issue.

As community efforts continue to grow, the contributions from organizations like Royal Purple demonstrate the power of collective action in supporting victims of domestic violence and fostering a safer environment for all.