Helping Handbags 2024 Collection

Hello, my name is Sara Gomes, and I am a tenth-grade student in Toronto, Ontario. In December 2018, at age nine, I had a talk with my mother about domestic abuse affecting women. She told me many women suffering from domestic violence rely on women's shelters when fleeing their abusive environment. After having this conversation, we realized that we had the means to help and so, Helping Handbags was born.

Helping Handbags collected gently used purses and toiletries. The purses were packed with the donated toiletries and dropped off at local women's shelters. That year, Helping Handbags collected just 20 purses. When dropping off the donations and seeing how grateful the staff was to have received them I knew that Helping Handbags had the potential to spark big change in communities across the GTA.

During the years of Covid-19, Helping Handbags nearly halted its operation. However, despite this challenge, Helping Handbags persevered and returned stronger than ever. Helping Handbags continued to run and benefit Shelters like the Rexdale Women’s Shelter and The Women's Habitat in Etobicoke. In our most recent collection (2023), Helping Handbags managed to collect over 400 pounds of toiletries, feminine hygiene products and gently used purses and totes.

Up until this year, Helping Handbags has relied upon the generosity of individual donations and local area businesses. Moving into our 7th year, Helping Handbags is using GoFundMe to expand its reach and impact in the GTA.

Every year I am amazed by the generosity of our community. I am so excited for what the future holds.