What started with a simple call for shampoo turned into an outpouring of generosity that filled the shelves at Genesis House.
Last week, the local shelter for women and families in crisis put out a request for bathroom essentials through a “drive-by donation drive,” inviting residents to leave items on their doorstep for pickup. The response was overwhelming.
“We knew we were running really, really low,” says Executive Director Ang Braun. “It’s been a crazy busy year. We’ve done this kind of drive-by idea before, but this response was just out of this world.”
Genesis House shared a photo of its fully stocked supply closet on social media, a clear sign of how far the community’s giving went.
More than just shampoo
For Braun, the donations represent more than restocked shelves.
“It may just look like a bottle of shampoo or a bottle of body wash,” she says, “but the messaging here is that we’re on the right track. We’re doing important work and the community believes in what we’re doing. When we ask, they come.”
Families feel the impact
Even if donors never meet the women and families who use these supplies, Braun says their generosity doesn’t go unnoticed.
“I think a lot of the people we serve follow our social media, so they know that the community stepped up. It’s powerful for them to see that people believe them, that people care, and that while we can’t make it all better, we can help the way we can.”
Gratitude across the board
The support means Genesis House can continue offering comfort and dignity to every person who comes through their doors. The success of this drive-by donation drive shows just how deeply the Pembina Valley values the work being done at the shelter and the people it serves.