2026
March 8 – International Women’s Day
Every year on March 8, International Women’s Day (IWD) is recognized and celebrated around the world. IWD is more than an event, it is a movement that began in 1911, in recognition of the need for gender equality. Globally, violence against women is the most significant human rights issue, and the theme of IWD 2026 is GIVE TO GAIN. Giving to women’s equality can be in a number of ways: donating to organizations that serve women, reducing barriers for women in the workplace and in society, recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women, ensuring that safety and respect are universally and consistently maintained, giving women rights and freedoms related to their health and bodies, and much more. Learn more by visiting the IWD website
2026
Featured Willow Place Winter 2026 Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE:
Valentine’s Day
Shelter Programming
Volunteer Feature
Cuddle Robes Story
Monthly Donors
VALENTINE’S DAY
Be your own valentine
Valentine’s Day can create stress and discomfort due to social pressures, especially for those impacted by violence and abuse. For single individuals and those struggling with relationship conflict, a shift from romantic idealism toward self-care and self-compassion can be therapeutic. Resisting old patterns and social norms, and placing oneself first can be challenging, but it is possible to forge new paths that support well-being.
Although traditional Valentine gestures like flowers, chocolates and cards are lovely within healthy relationships, not everyone finds themselves in this position. Miley Cyrus’ global pop hit, “Flowers,” describes when relationships break down, and how self-acceptance, self-awareness and self-love are fundamental to moving forward. In the song, the woman realizes that, without a healthy relationship context, romantic gestures feel hollow: “I can buy myself flowers, write my name in the sand, talk to myself for hours…” She chooses to love herself unapologetically, and recognizes it’s okay to be on her own. Flowers Lyrics – CLICK HERE!
Even those in healthy relationships can benefit from self-care and self-love practices – in fact healthy relationships should include time and space for individuals to pursue their own interests, and take care of their particular needs independently from their partner. A person who feels complete and fulfilled on their own, offers balance and strength to their interpersonal relationships and shared experiences become richer, more equitable and less prone to manipulation and control dynamics.
Wondering how to be your own Valentine?
Here are some Valentine-themed self-care rituals to try:
1) Write a love note to yourself – don’t spare the praise!
2) Prepare your favourite snack or treat and enjoy it slowly and mindfully, knowing it was made just how you like it!
3) Indulge in a mini home-spa experience with soothing foot soak, hand massage and face mask.
4) Create a music playlist including your favourite feel-good songs.
4) Buy yourself flowers (thank you, Miley)
Face Mask Recipes – CLICK HERE!
Foot Soak Recipes – CLICK HERE!
SHELTER PROGRAMMING
A group effort to support diverse needs
Each month, the Willow Place shelter program hosts a variety of programs and supports, all of which are added to a shared activity calendar. Support staff host house meetings twice weekly where residents can get information, ask questions and express concerns. Support staff also provide wellness and activity groups for women and children on a variety of topics. Shelter counsellors each provide regular groups on topics related to gender-based violence, recovery and healing.
A doctor from Women’s Health Clinic visits bi-weekly, and on alternate dates, a nurse from Manitoba Public Health is on site. Additionally, Willow Place hosts a variety of informational sessions coordinated by the Community Team, including financial literacy, library services, sexual health, independent living, abilities-related supports, women’s resource centers, and much more.
The shelter program also benefits from regular contract supports including Red Road to Healing (Indigenous culture), bi-weekly multi-cultural storytelling, and trauma-informed yoga, which offers twice monthly mini workshops.
Volunteers are regularly on site to help with tasks like child-minding and donation-sorting, but also to provide activities and programs. For example, our longest-serving volunteer, Tanis, is appreciated for her bi-weekly guitar music evenings, and everyone looks forward to volunteer, Pam’s monthly visits for journal and book-making.
Filling each monthly activity calendar truly is a team effort – thanks to all who contribute!
VOLUNTEER FEATURE
Meet volunteer, Doug P.
Willow Place benefits from the time and talents of over 15 volunteers in an average month – we cannot imagine our team without these amazing individuals, including board members, admin volunteers, donation volunteers, and shelter program support volunteers. Doug is unique in that he is our first official “handyperson” volunteer. Doug has capably assisted us with a variety of shelter repairs, furniture and equipment assembly; garden projects, and donation pick-ups – most recently, he has supported weekly bread donation pickups.
How long have you volunteered for Willow Place?
I have been volunteering for Willow Place since spring 2023.
How did you hear about the volunteer role?
It was either the Free Press, or a volunteer opportunities website (Volunteer Manitoba)
Why do you choose to volunteer?
Very simply, I need to be busy, and if there are tasks I can do that help others, all the better!
We understand you do other volunteering, can you tell us a bit about it?
Sure! Since early 2023 I have been volunteering year-round for Habitat for Humanity. From November through March, I typically volunteer two days per week as a carpenter at one of their build sites. From April through October, I do a similar role, except that I lead small volunteer groups at the build site. It’s a very satisfying gig for me; I get to work with my hands, meet interesting people, get exercise (the work can be strenuous), plus I’m helping the Habitat partner families to get their own home.
Do you have any highlights or memorable moments from volunteering at Willow Place?
Nope! All the moments volunteering for Willow Place are memorable. Any work, especially work that helps others, is good work.
Do you have any tips for others who might be interested in volunteering?
Yes. Dig in energetically. It may take a bit of searching to find a volunteer gig that is a good fit, but once you find it, grab it and go all-in.
Thank you, Doug – we appreciate you!
THE CUDDLE ROBES STORY
Over a decade of support
A number of years ago, Wendy Garrity and her sister Cory created a simple fleece housecoat pattern. An ankle-length pullover robe with a large pocket, it slipped on easily – a design that was all about practical comfort and ease. Sewing the robes became a great way for the sisters to bond when visiting. Wendy and Cory typically got together a couple of times a year to sew and then donated the robes to shelter. Usually gifted to women at Christmas, sometimes a second donation would arrive before Mother’s Day.
The sisters’ unique design was replicated hundreds of times in an array of colours as diverse as the shelter participants, and soon became known by staff as “the cuddle robes.” Women in shelter were seen taking a cigarette break, doing laundry, or attending groups with the robe worn over their jeans or pjs, and the cuddle robes became a familiar and popular garment.
During COVID, Wendy and Cory did a little extra sewing for Willow Place, both to pass the time, but also because they knew there was a need. The robes were always well-received by women sheltering with Willow Place, each one finding its way to a grateful owner on their healing journey.
As of today, Cory and Wendy’s legacy of caring has extended over ten years. In recent months, however, Wendy shared with our community team that, regretfully, their project was coming to a close. Both sisters were experiencing vision loss that made sewing too difficult.
At this somber turn in the road, somehow saying “thank you” seems inadequate, particularly when reflecting upon such a remarkable legacy of kindness. But we are truly and deeply thankful.
On the bright side, there is a glimmer of hope that the cuddle robes story is not quite over! In autumn 2025, a faith-based women’s sewing group called Threads of Hope accepted the Wendy and Cory’s cuddle robe patterns. Wendy and Cory had cut the last fabric pieces into several colourful pockets, just waiting for the next robes to be created; a final thoughtful act. We are excited to imagine the cuddle robe legacy continuing on, lovingly created by new caring hands.
We would be remiss if we did not share that Wendy’s spouse, retired reverend, Kenn Garrity, has also supported shelter donation with handmade stained-glass pendants. Muffin the dog, is both a precious companion and fierce “guardian” in the Garrity home.
Interested in donating to the cuddle robe project?
Fabric donations of fleece, flannel and cotton, and monetary gifts are welcome. Threads of Hope has taken on a number of sewing projects to help Willow Place, supplying pajamas, blankets, infant needs and much more!
Cheques payable to: St. Saviour’s Anglican Church – Threads of Hope
Mail to: 690 Munroe Avenue, Winnipeg R2K 1j2
Please contact Threads of Hope with any questions – thank you!
Email: threadsofhopestsaviours@gmail.com
Phone: 204-229-9742 (Cindy)
www.threadsofhope-stsaviours.ca
MONTHLY DONORS
Safe, easy donation through Canada Helps
Sometimes donors say, “I wish I could do more!” But Willow Place values all donations – regardless of the dollar amount, each donation has potential for BIG impact. In fact, most of the donations Willow Place receives are small donations. When combined, these donations make a huge difference for Willow Place programs and services – every dollar is truly precious and is put to good use.
One easy way to give is by using Canada Helps monthly subscription program. Canada Helps issues charitable receipts on our behalf which reduces our workload, and donors can subscribe to donate $10, $20 or more each month using a credit card. Ten dollars monthly may seem like a small sum. Generally, ten dollars might buy a fast food meal or two cups of coffee, but it can also help Willow Place provide daily needs for a family in shelter.
DONATE ON CANADA HELPS – CLICK HERE!
The Canada Helps donation forms also allow donors to let us know why they are giving. Here are some of the recent notes we have received:
“We wished to donate …to an organization that creates safe space for others.”
“I want to help women and children in crisis.”
“To support community outreach and public awareness regarding the important work you do.”
“I want to give to the new shelter project.”
“Because women and children must be protected from gender violence.”
“…an act of compassion…as an investment in safety, dignity, and the future of women and children who deserve a second chance through a safe environment.”
Our goal is to build our subscriber/donors to 500 members, which would translate into $5,000 of revenue each month if each donor gives just $10. This revenue will help Willow Place fill gaps in areas like food security, children’s needs and cultural programming Are you one of the 500? Thank you for supporting Willow Place!
2025
Willow Place E-News – Holiday Edition 2025
In this issue:
Holiday Greetings
Shared Traditions
Spirit of Giving
Spicing it Up!
Donation Needs
HOLIDAY GREETINGS
Our best wishes for a happy holiday season
The change from autumn to winter provides a natural transition to both reflect upon months past and to look forward to the New Year. We are deeply grateful for the contributions of staff, volunteers, board members, community partners, funders, supporters and donors – without these combined efforts, we could not sustain our daily violence prevention services.
While we prepare for the unique challenges presented by winter, we also recognize that with the winter solstice, each day grows a bit longer and brighter, and we inevitably move closer to spring’s promise of renewal. Throughout this paradoxical time, we continue the life-affirming processes of imagining, planning, preparing, and forward motion.
Thank you for sharing 2025 with us, both the difficult times and the precious moments of success and joy. We are so thankful to count you among our supportive community.
However you choose to celebrate the holiday season, whether it is Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Noel, Christmas, Winter Solstice or other community and cultural observances, we hope that you enjoy supportive connections, good health, peace and joy.
SHARED TRADITIONS
Our team’s holiday highlights
We asked our team members to share holiday traditions, and their responses are featured, below. Amid the holiday busy-ness, we hope you will enjoy some light-hearted fun and time for rest.
Happy Holidays from all of us!
SPIRIT OF GIVING
Holiday activities in the shelter program
Each year our shelter program begins preparations to create a festive, happy atmosphere for program participants. Sadly, violence does not take a holiday – our shelter program staff work a variety of shift rotations year-round, including during the holidays, to provide 24-H crisis support (phone, text, live chat) and to staff the busy violence prevention shelter program – our services never close.
Throughout December, Willow Place plans to support over 100 women and children, some who will be with us through the holiday festivities, some who will depart from shelter during this time, and others who may connect with our supportive teams by follow-up and outreach counseling. Our shared goal is to provide some comfort and holiday spirit during their connections with us, over and above our regular supports.
Winter weather can be especially isolating, and this is more-so for participants that have acute safety risks in the community. Additionally, the holiday season is particularly stressful for those who have experienced violence and abuse among their close personal and family relationships.
To support a homey, welcoming environment, our shelter program plans holiday-themed activities throughout December to provide parent respite, positive focus, social connection, and to help alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression among participants. Special snacks, activities and decorating are always popular!
One highlight in the shelter program is “Santa’s Workshop.” When our school classroom closes (mid-December to early January), staff and volunteers convert the space into a holiday-themed hub. Supported by community donations, Willow Place aims to provide each woman and child sheltering with us with a filled stocking and wrapped gift. We also supply unwrapped new gifts for women and children, so that Mothers can select and wrap a gift for their children, and children may select and wrap a gift for Mom.
SPICING IT UP!
Handcrafted holiday ornaments
These cinnamon-scented ornaments make wonderful tree decorations, garlands or parcel tie-ons. Simply make the dough, cut shapes with cookie cutters. Then punch a hole with a straw to allow for hanging, stringing together or tying to a parcel or gift. Air dry, oven-dry or use a food dehydrator, and decorate if desired.
DOUGH INGREDIENTS (decorative – not edible!):
1 cup – 250 ml unsweetened apple sauce
1-1/2 cups – 375 ml ground cinnamon (buy bulk or low-quality brand)
2 Tablespoons – 30 ml non-toxic white craft glue
Optional: can add 2-3 tsp. – 10-15 ml of ground cloves – reduce cinnamon by amount of cloves added
OTHER SUPPLIES:
Mixing bowl, mixing spoon, spatula
Plastic wrap
Plastic or metal drinking straw (paper is not firm enough)
Rolling pin, assorted cookie cutters (simple shapes work best, e.g., star, circle, tree)
Fine sandpaper or emery board
Cookie sheets and baking racks
Glitter, puffy paints, rhinestones, etc. for decorating (Optional)
Ribbon and hooks for hanging
DOUGH AND PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Measure dough ingredients into mixing bowl – partly combine with spatula or mixing spoon, then mix with hands to form ball of uniform consistency. Depending upon the humidity, you many need to add a bit more apple sauce if dough is dry, or a bit more cinnamon if the dough feels a bit wet.
Once combined, take 1/3 of the ball of dough and place in on the counter between two sheets of plastic wrap. Roll out to 1/3″ (8.5mm) thickness and cut out desired shapes with cookie cutters. NOTE: if dough is rolled too thinly, the shapes will curl up as they dry.
Punch a hole in the top of each cut-out with the straw, then carefully transfer cut-out shapes to a baking rack placed on a cookie sheet. Pre-heat over to 200 F/93 C and bake 2.5 hours until ornaments are firm and dry. For food dehydrator, dry on high setting for 6 hours. To air-dry, leave on racks in an out-of-the-way area with low humidity for 3-4 days.
Once dry, ornaments can be painted; you can glue on glitter, rhinestones, etc. Prior to decorating, use fine sand paper or an emery board to smooth any rough edges. Depending on your use, thread a ribbon or attach an ornament hook through the punched holes – great for tree ornaments, making garlands or using as parcel/gift tie-ons.
DONATION NEEDS
Giving updates and ways to help
There are many ways to help Willow Place help others! Whether you choose a monthly monetary gift through Canada Helps, contribute to our New Facility Fund, or plan a donation collection among friends, family or colleagues, we are so grateful. Year-round, Willow Place relies upon monetary and in-kind gifts to provide daily needs for participants in our busy shelter program and to fill gaps in funding, in areas such as food security, cultural programming and children’s needs – thank you for considering a gift for Willow Place.
NEW FACILITY FUND – CLICK HERE FOR INFO!
WISH LIST – CLICK HERE FOR INFO!
MONETARY GIFTS – CLICK HERE FOR INFO!
Willow Place crisis supports are the largest and most-utilized services of their kind in Manitoba – your kindness helps us help others in need.
2025
Annual Power of PJs Campaign
Every November (Domestic Violence Awareness Month), Willow Place collects new pajamas for women and children in our violence prevention shelter program. Our goal is to collect 250 pairs of PJs, representing the numbers we will serve from November to January. To donate, call 204-615-0313, ext. 245 (Kimi) or ext. 237 (Pam). Thank you for your support!