The giving continues for the Global Edmonton Give Me Shelter campaign

EDMONTON – Dozens of Edmontonians piled into the Global Edmonton lobby Monday morning donating gifts for women and children fleeing violence.

“There’s always people in need in the city,” said Terry Ruptash. “And we’re able to give so we’re always willing to help.”

Donations of every shape and size are being accepted until December 16. From toiletries and gift cards to clothing and cash.

“I know a lot of people, a lot of young kids that don’t even open gifts at Christmas time, and you want them to at least open one gift,” said Allan Beaver, who donated more than $200 worth of gift cards.

And for those children looking for a special stuffed animal to cuddle with at night, Marcelle Jamieson took care of that.  She has been donating to the Give Me Shelter campaign since it first started 12 years ago.  She started by buying stuffed animals for the children but now spends hours upon hours knitting them teddy bears.

“I love to give and I think it’s a good cause, the women’s shelters, ” said Jamieson. “So I think really more and more people should support it.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I love to give and I think it's a good cause, the women's shelters, " said Jamieson. "So I think really more and more people should support it."

The donations will go to the five women’s shelters in our city: WIN House, WINGS of Providence, La Salle, Lurana Shelter and SAGE Seniors Safe House. And couldn’t come at a more important time.  Every shelter is full, as domestic violence cases continue to rise.

“Sometimes they’re leaving during a volatile situation, coming in a police car or taxi,” said Tess Gordey, the Executive Director at WIN house.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Sometimes they're leaving during a volatile situation, coming in a police car or taxi," said Tess Gordey, the Executive Director at WIN house.

“They’re looking to even have their toothbrush provided or coats and jackets during the winter.  Anything you can think of that you would need on a day to day basis.”

There was also an added bonus for these donors on Monday morning.  The coveted Grey Cup, along with players Grant Shaw and Ryan King from The Edmonton Eskimos, were also on hand.  It was all in an effort to bring in as many donations as possible.

“Any giving throughout the year at any time is greatly appreciated,” said Gordey. “But especially now to make the holidays more of a memorable time for the families that are really struggling.”

For a list of all the drop off locations click on the link Give Me Shelter