The Envision Counselling and support centre is offering a way to donate before Christmas that goes directly to help women and families who are struggling.
Envision’s annual gift card campaign kicks off this week, to provide gift cards to clients.
“Envision Counselling hopes to connect with our supporters to request donations of gift cards, to give away during the holidays,” said Hlohovsky Andrist, development director for Envision.
“We would like to offer some hope during the holidays by giving families who are struggling gifts cards to buy what they feel they need, whether gas or food, or Christmas presents for the kids,” she said.
“This year, we have been sponsored by Baker Hughes, who have seeded the campaign with a stack of gift cards,” said Andrist. “We are so appreciative of community partnerships because the impacts are greater.”
Andrist said Envision uses the gift cards from various businesses to disburse to people who need emergency help, based on their situation. Clients may be going without items such as baby supplies or clothing if they flee a relationship without time to properly pack up. They might need gas cards, specifically to attend counselling sessions, when they are isolated in a rural location.
And particularly this year, they may be unable to purchase gifts for the holidays.
“Mental health, anxiety and domestic violence issues can get worse if there’s financial strain as well, so a holiday initiative like this can help to relieve pressure to focus on the primary healing journey,” said Andrist.
To reach the greatest number of those in need, Andrist says that instead of toys, gift cards give individuals more choices. The preferred stores are those with gas or grocery options.
There are three ways to participate in the Gift Card Drive:
Gift cards can be dropped off at Envision Counselling offices in Estevan, Weyburn or Carlyle. Please call ahead to make arrangements, as office protocols are still in place. Estevan’s number is 306-637-4004, Weyburn is 306-842-8821 and Carlyle is 306-453-2405.
Put your donation of gift cards in the mail to: Envision Counselling and Support Centre, Box 511, Estevan, SK, S4A 2A5.
Make a monetary donation online. Visit . Choose Gift Card on the menu option, and Envision will purchase cards to distribute during the holidays.
“We have a thoughtful and generous community,” said Andrist. “This is a creative way to make big impacts for our families and bring some hope this holiday season.”
