Women’s Shelter hosts its first Handbags and Hope fundraiser

By Peggy Revell on June 15, 2018.

Sydney and Chris Deering check out handbags up for auction Thursday evening at the Cypress Centre during the inaugural Handbags and Hope fundraiser for the Medicine Hat Women's Shelter Society.--NEWS PHOTO PEGGY REVELL

prevell@medicinehatnews.com @MHNprevell

Wine, music, handbags and laughter marked the inaugural “Handbags and Hope” fundraiser for the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society, held Thursday evening at the Cypress Centre.

“Hundreds of handbags have been donated,” said fundraiser co-organizer Tara Williams. “It’s insane the response and support for what we’re doing and for the cause.”

Funds raised through the event will go toward kitchen renovations at the shelter’s Musasa House. The second-stage shelter is the only of its kind in southern Alberta, and recently had its 200th woman stay there.

Tables upstairs at the Cypress Centre were filled with bags — either new or gently used — with attendees placing their silent auction bids, all while sipping wine, taste-testing cheese and chocolates, and enjoying the music provided by professional cellist Andrea Case.

Another table was filled with more than $1,000 in non-handbag items up for auction, donated by businesses and people in the community.

The name of the event sounds a bit corny, said Williams.

“But it does all stem from the need for hope,” she said, emphasizing not knowing who might be in need of the women’s shelter next.

While the total raised wasn’t available Thursday evening, Williams said they hit their target of 50 tickets sold.