They are small but essential items that most of us take for granted: a toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, a brush, warm socks. But for women in shelters or those who have left familiar environs, often due to abusive relationships, and are trying to forge a new life, even those small essentials can be difficult to obtain. Enter Hope Totes.<\/p>\n
The charity was brought to Muskoka last year by Beth Goodhew, whose niece is one of the founders of Hope Totes in Toronto. It was begun 2008 as an annual project to help less fortunate women in the GTA.<\/p>\n
“Hope Totes is a 100 per cent volunteer-run organization,” said Goodhew. “I got involved three years ago when I retired. I wanted to be able to give back, and now that I\u2019m living in Muskoka I started it here – last year was our first drive. I thought it was a great idea and an opportunity anyone can participate in. It\u2019s easy to get involved in and really make a difference for women who have challenges, especially this time of year.”<\/p>\n
As a member of both the Deerhurst Golf Club and the Huntsville Curling Club, Goodhew reached out to her friends in both organizations to ask for donations throughout the year and to help assemble the totes. Last year, they collected enough to fill 125 Hope Totes; this year, despite early concerns they wouldn’t match that number, they filled 150.<\/p>\n\n\t\t