Envision critically low on gift cards for those in need, announces a drive

SOUTHEAST SASK — Envision Counselling and Support Inc. says they are critically low on gift cards for individuals and families who are experiencing violence and abuse within their lives.

With Giving Tuesday just around the corner, they are calling for community support.

“Giving Tuesday [Dec. 3] is an international day of giving,” says Envision’s executive director Lynda Rideout. “This is a day to celebrate the communities in which we live by coming together and encouraging charitable giving.”

Sponsored by PureChem Services, Envision is launching its annual Gift Card Drive.

Rideout shares, “At Envision Counselling & Support Centre Inc., we recognize that many of our clients are currently struggling to make ends meet within our communities. The annual Gift Card Campaign is an incredible way to offer a helping hand.

“We are so fortunate to have our Gift Card Drive kicked off and sponsored by the generous team at PureChem Services. Their support is paving the way for this year’s campaign, and with their help, we are hopeful to bring much-needed relief to those currently living in abusive situations, those who have recently left, and those working toward a healthier future for themselves and their families.”

The overall goal of Envision’s campaign is to offer support and hope during the holidays to the individuals and families they serve and have identified as being unable to meet their basic needs. Whether it be food, warm clothes, gifts for the children, or even gas for the car, gift cards help to fill the gaps that these families may experience during this colder holiday season.

Envision also uses gift cards from various businesses to disburse to people who need emergency help, based on their situation. Clients may be going without items such as baby supplies or clothing if they flee a relationship without time to properly pack up. They might need gas cards, specifically to attend counselling sessions, when they are isolated in a rural location. And particularly this year, they may be unable to purchase gifts for the holidays.

“Imagine if every person who was able, donated just one gift card. Whether it be gas or grocery,” says Rideout. “We would be able to help an incredibly wide number of individuals and families throughout the holiday season, as well as ongoing throughout the year.”

With gift cards, Envision is able to provide support to as many clients in need as possible.

This campaign gives individuals more choices and an added sense of empowerment, or autonomy, which is really important to the agency, the organization says. The preferred stores are those with gas or grocery options, such as Walmart, Co-op, No Frills or Wholesale Club.

Director of operations Laura Melle adds, “When we are sitting with someone in our office who has just left an abusive relationship with nothing but the clothes they are wearing, it is incredibly powerful to be able to hand them a gift card to purchase the items they need for themselves and their children. Things like clothing, toiletries, food, diapers, etc. sometimes even gas cards to have the means to travel to where their supports are, where they can feel safe and supported.

“Whatever their situation or unique needs may be, being able to have these gift cards available to those we support is extremely impactful. To see their face lift with a little hope. Together, this is what our community provides.”

There are three ways to participate in the Gift Card Drive:

• Gift cards can be dropped off at Envision offices in Estevan, Weyburn or Carlyle. Please call any of our office locations ahead to make arrangements, (option 3 for donations).
• Put your donation of gift cards in the mail to: Envision Counselling and Support Centre Inc, Box 511, Estevan, SK, S4A 2A5.
• Make a monetary donation online. Visit Envision's website. Choose Gift Card option on the menu, and Envision will purchase cards to distribute during the holidays.

All donations over $25 are able to receive a charitable receipt form.

“We are looking forward to another successful Gift Card campaign with the incredible support of generous and dedicated individuals within our communities,” Rideout said. “We truly couldn’t do it without you and the support of our sponsor.”