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Women Helping Women event to benefit the Interval Home

Tara Jeffrey Tracy MacDonald has big plans for the third annual Women Helping Women charity event. “I am aiming for $5,000 this year,” said the woman behind the upcoming vendor sale to benefit the Women’s Interval Home.
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More than $4,000 was raised at last year’s Women Helping Women charity event, for the Women’s Interval Home. Submitted Photo

Tara Jeffrey

Tracy MacDonald has big plans for the third annual Women Helping Women charity event.

“I am aiming for $5,000 this year,” said the woman behind the upcoming vendor sale to benefit the Women’s Interval Home. “Every year, it keeps getting bigger.”

More than 30 vendors are lined up for the Oct. 28 event, to be held at The Station Music Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., along with a book sale, ‘garage-sale’ style section, Davey Jones BBQ and more.

“I have a lot more homemade vendors, even from outside of Sarnia-Lambton, so it will be great for Christmas shopping,” said MacDonald. “And there will be a few other surprises.”

Jessica Nethery

MacDonald launched the event in 2015 in honour of friend Jessica Nethery, who was killed by her ex-boyfriend in 2002.

In her first year, MacDonald raised $4,000 with about 15 vendors.

All proceeds go to the Interval Home, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The agency provides an immediate alternative to an abusive or potentially abusive family setting for women and their children, along with support groups, employment and transitional housing programs and counseling.

“They’re the unheard angels of our community -- it’s amazing how many families they’ve helped over the years,” she said. “And just helping women get back on their feet.”

According to the Canadian Women’s Foundation, on any given night, 3,491 women and their 2,724 children sleep in shelters because it isn’t safe at home.

Half of all women in Canada have experienced at least one incident of physical or sexual violence since age 16, and approximately every six days, a woman in Canada is killed by her intimate partner.

MacDonald is also collecting items to put together ‘care packages’ for women who leave the home, ready to start a new life.

“They’re called ‘fresh start’ baskets -- and they’ve been going over very well,” she said.

For more information, contact [email protected]

IF YOU GO:

WHAT: 3rd annual Women Helping Women event

WHEN: Oct. 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: The Station Music Hall (505 Campbell St., Sarnia)

DETAILS: Vendors, barbecue, book sale, garage sale and more


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