As busy as we are with our lives, we can’t help but be affected by people who are less fortunate. Those who are struggling, those in need due to bad luck, circumstance or a twist of fate. Sometimes, we’re not in a position to directly help. Other times, when a hand reaches out, we can be there.

I have been looking for a cause to support that was close to my heart, and complementary to my own beliefs and values. And then I discovered St. Elizabeth Home Emergency Shelter. The more I learned about this remarkable place, the more I wanted to become involved.

Women and children enter St. Elizabeth’s at a time of extreme crisis in their lives. Here, they’re given a safe space and nurturing environment that is critical to their healing and recovery. St. Elizabeth’s houses up to 32 women and children in its emergency shelter, as well as providing ten suites that serve as transitional housing for as long as two years, allowing these women time to work on life issues and search for more permanent housing.

I am committed to doing what I can to help. This can include finding the ways and means for the women of St. Elizabeth’s to enjoy activities such as gardening, crafts, games, movie nights, baking and pot luck dinners. I want to help them and their children feel safe, secure, loved and provided for.

I’m not asking you for money. I’m asking that you help me provide these women and children with some simple necessities of life. Whenever St. Elizabeth’s has a need for things like used clothing, craft supplies or toys (which most of us have stored away somewhere), they’ll tell me, and I can put the word out to you. If you’d like to lend a hand, please call me at 604 644-6520, or email me at michelecollins@royallepage.ca.

I also help by donating a portion of my fees directly to St. Elizabeth’s. If you would like to make a financial contribution, please get in touch with me. Vist Royal LePage Shelter Foundation fore more information.

*Sir Winston Churchill