Wendy’s Annual Gift Card Campaign
Background
I am the founder of an annual gift card campaign that helps EMPOWER families to REBUILD their lives free from domestic abuse.
The campaign started, in 2013, at my kitchen table over wine and cheese! I invited friends and family to drop off a grocery store gift card to support women and children fleeing abuse during the holidays.
The campaign has grown significantly since its humble beginnings at my kitchen table. With generous donors’ support, we raised $32,373.25 in gift cards from 2013 to 2021. These gift cards supported families accessing services at WIN House, a non-profit agency in Edmonton, Alberta, operating three women’s shelters: WIN 1, WIN II, and Carol’s House.
In 2022, the campaign supported S.H.A.D.E. (Safe Housing and Directed Empowerment) Inc., in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Charitable Registration # 829036177RR0001). In 2023, we raised $2,615.00 to purchase gift cards for clients impacted by domestic abuse, and in 2022, we raised $3,515,16.
November Launch - Family Violence Prevention Month
I am deeply grateful for your continued support and excited to announce that in the 12th year, the annual gift card campaign will again partner with SHADE. Your contributions have made a real difference in the lives of those impacted by domestic abuse. Information on SHADE programs and services can be found here: www.shadewinnipeg.org/.
As November is Family Violence Awareness Month, your contributions are especially meaningful. They will help clients facing domestic abuse by removing financial and transportation barriers. Gift cards allow immigrant and refugee women to make essential purchases like groceries (e.g., grocery stores such as No Frills, Giant Tiger, Superstore, Safeway, Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, FreshCo or any other accessible and affordable place), baby formula, diapers, and even mattresses for a safe night’s sleep. When families are escaping abusive homes, they are often faced with financial and transportation barriers. Prepaid gas cards (e.g., Esso & Mobil eGift Cards) can help mothers drive their children to activities, court hearings, and social programs at SHADE. You can also donate unused gift cards. This year, we’re also focusing on bringing joy to children and supporting pets. Gift cards for treats at Dairy Queen, McDonald’s, and other restaurants can give children joy and comfort during tough times. Pet store gift cards also allow clients to care for their beloved animals, ensuring survivors and pets can start healing.
I encourage you to share the gift card campaign details (see below) with your friends and family or host a gift card donation drive at your workplace. You can email me about the process of tracking generous supporters in your network.
You may also wish to use social media to share the campaign with your networks. You can follow me on X (formerly Twitter) at @waujla or Instagram @wendya12 for updates on the campaign. Help spread the message over social media by using the hashtags #GiftCards4SHADE and #SHADEforSurvivors
How do I donate?
The gift cards will support immigrant and refugee women and their children who have been impacted by domestic abuse.
You may donate in three ways towards the gift card campaign by the December 31, 2024 deadline:
1. Donate Online Safely through Canada Helps
See the donation form below or here.
OR Click here and select “Wendy’s 12th Annual Gift Card Campaign" from the drop-down menu.
SHADE will purchase Gift Cards on your behalf and distribute them to immigrant women in need.
2. In Person
Edmonton:
Contact me (Wendy) for gift card pick-up or drop-off
waujla@gmail.com or 780-238-2321
Winnipeg:
Contact Sherrie for gift card pick-up or drop-off
swinstanley@shadewinnipeg.org or 204-880-3022
3. Mail SHADE a Gift Card
Mail gift cards to SHADE! Include a note in the envelope indicating that you are supporting Wendy’s 12th Annual Gift Card Campaign
MAILING ADDRESS
SHADE Winnipeg
PO BOX 49117 Garden City
Winnipeg, MB R2V 4G8
Please use registered mail to track your package and include your contact information (Full name, address, & email/ phone number). A tax receipt can be issued, by the end of January 2025, if the gift card is in the amount of $20+ and accompanied with a receipt outlining the cost.
Your contact information will be collected online, and a tax receipt will be released immediately via Canada Helps. Sherrie Winstanley, Executive Director at SHADE and Wendy Aujla, gift card campaign organizer, will pick up the gift cards on your behalf.
Tax receipts are available for donations of $20 and higher.
Online donations through CanadaHelps will automatically generate a tax receipt and email it to you.
For in-person and mail donations of actual gift cards, please provide your full name, address, email/phone number, and receipt showing the cost. SHADE will then issue you a tax receipt in January 2025.
Thank you for your support!
