A handful of driven women from Southampton have decided to give back by hosting a clothing drive and fundraiser for The Women’s Centre Grey & Bruce on April 25. Called ‘Spark Joy’, women throughout Grey and Bruce counties are invited to donate select pieces from their wardrobe that are current, clean and suitable for work. These pieces will then be passed onto The Women’s Centre and Second Stage for women in need of clothing for job interviews or current employment.

In a Women's Centre media release, the event will be hosted at The Elk & Finch Coffee Pub on Thursday April 25 from 4 to 8pm. Guest speakers will include Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau, Executive Coach Jackie Serviss, and The Women’s Centre Executive Director Heather Fowler.

“The Women’s Centre provides outreach and housing to abused women and children and I wanted to help any way possible to empower them to get to the next phase of their lives,” said event organizer and community member Alexanne Pizycki. “I am really excited for this event as I think it will show the great support our community has for women in need.”

Clothing will be brought back to The Women’s Centre for residents to pick and choose from as they like. Local businesses will be offering free services to women at the shelter, like make-up and hair styling before a job interview. Many other larger local businesses will be offering industry-tailored resume writing and application coaching to the women as well.