COVID-19 Women’s Initiative (CWI) invites the community to attend the first contactless donation drive in Surrey on Friday, July 10. Supplies from the drive will be donated to local women’s shelters and transition homes.

COVID-19 Women’s Initiative (CWI) is a non-profit, student-led organization of medical students, physicians and community members across Canada. This initiative was founded by two medical students in Toronto who recognized a need to help women who are in challenging circumstances, further heightened by COVID-19.

Initially launching in Toronto, CWI has expanded to five Canadian cities, including Vancouver, with over 200 volunteers, most of whom are medical students. The drive, supported by Canadian gold medal ice hockey player Hayley Wickenheiser, is urging businesses and individuals to donate sealed and unused PPE, toiletries, women’s clothing, household items, food, toys and art supplies.

“Donations to women’s shelters and transition homes have dropped considerably during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving many women and children without basic life-sustaining necessities,” said Wickenheiser. “Unfortunately, these services are needed now more than ever due to increasing financial hardship and gender-based violence. The gender inequities caused by COVID-19 are going to continue unless we, as communities, decide to pitch in. It’s time we come together and help support the women and children that need it the most.”

When: Friday, July 10

Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Platinum Pro-Claim Restoration, 102 – 18651 52nd Avenue, Surrey

Alternate drop-off locations in Vancouver (505 Burrard Street) and Richmond (13880 Mayfield Place) at the same time.