8 FOCUS - OCTOBER 2017 What on earth are Basketeers? And are they living amongst us? A Basketeer is someone who cares enough to put together a basket of items to help women and children leaving shelters start on the journey of their new lives. And yes, there are many Basketeers right here in Scugog Township. Sharon Stevens-Hazelton of Seagrave is one of them. Her sister Ginny Slike of Uxbridge is a coordinator of the Durham chapter of Basketeers, launched in 2013. Sharon has been involved with Basketeers in the GTA since 2007. Morethan10,000womenhavereceivedaNewBeginnings Basket since this initiative was founded in 2000. What’s it all about? Sharon explained that when women escape abusive domestic situations to go to shelters, often they leave most of their belongings behind. After a stay at a shelter, women and their children make a fresh start, and need the necessities of life. This cause is “close to her heart” because Sharon had a friend in a similar situation. “And the incidents of abuse are getting worse.” What do Basketeers put in the laundry baskets? Some people do themes like kitchen or bath, but Sharon likes to put in a variety of practical and fun items, for example: kitchen utensils, a can opener, frying pans, a toaster and “other things you go to reach for that aren’t there.” Mini first aid kits and tool kits are a good idea. Toiletries and niceties for the moms are also recommend- ed, says Sharon. “Many charities help children but often the mothers are left out.” Puzzles, gift cards and movie passes are popular choices. “The baskets help instill confidence in the mothers to make the move,” said Sharon. “Once they leave the shel- ter, they are on their own.” A good friend of Sharon’s takes her granddaughters shopping and together they enjoy choosing things for the baskets. Some people request basket items instead of birthday presents for themselves. You can also donate money towards the purchase of basket contents. “It’s really rewarding,” Sharon commented. Barb Willis spearheads the Basketeers at Canterbury Commons. Friends, neighbours, churches, service clubs and businesses often pool their resources to buy items and gift wrap them. Go online for instructions on how to wrap the laundry baskets so the handles can still be used. Another important aspect of the Basketeer program is delivery. Some businesses donate their time and trucks to take the baskets to these four shelters: The Denise House, Herizon House, Y’s Wish Shelter and Bethesda House. One courier picking up baskets was “moved to tears” because she was a former victim of domestic abuse, Sharon recalls. Promotion is also important. Kate Stemp of Uxbridge is “a godsend,” taking care of email blasts and graphic design work. Ginger Jackson (of McDonald’s fame) and Vince’s Market provide the refreshments for the Drop off Day, being held this year on Saturday November 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Greenbank Centennial Hall, 19965 Hwy. 12. “It’s a great social time,” described Sharon. Repre- sentatives of the shelters will be on hand. “Last year, 128 beautifully wrapped baskets were donated,” said Sharon, who thanked everyone for their generosity. She called the gratitude expressed by the bas- ket recipients “heartwarming,” especially the personal handwritten notes from the children. Check out durhambasketeers@gmail.com or the Give a Basket page at www.basketeers.org or the new Facebook page for more information. Be a Basketeer! By Lynn Campbell, Focus on Scugog MARK NOVEMBER 4 ON YOUR CALENDAR… You Too Can Be A Basketeer!