Two young Sudburians have dedicated their hearts, homes and time to inspiring philanthropy in Greater Sudbury, by making the process a little easier for those that give and get.
In November of 2019, friends Syd Hutchins and Véro St. Jean launched a project known as Give Back Gals in response to the need they saw in their community.
Their goal is to reduce that need, they said, by acting as the "middle-man" between non-profit organizations and those with the means to donate.
"Essentially, it's a way for us to give back to the community," said Hutchins.
The program works through partnerships with non-profit organizations and charitable initiatives, they said, who communicate their needs or make specific requests to the Give Back Gals.
The Gals then do their best to fulfill this request with miscellaneous donations they've received, or by launching a new campaign tailored to that organization or initiative. At which time they begin the process of collecting donations, sorting them, and delivering them to the recipient within a matter of days.
"It's definitely taken time," said Hutchins, "but it's worth it."
Around 80 per cent of donations have come from residents of Greater Sudbury thus far, said the pair. But they said the support of local corporations and businesses like Mountain Warehouse, Old Soul Soap Company and Rehan's Independent Grocer, have been invaluable.
"A lot of the times people in the community will tell us when we pick up donations that they didn't know they could donate to that organization or that that organization takes this," said St. Jean. "Being that middle-man is really helpful."
Recipients include the Canadian Mental Health Association, Better Beginnings, Better Future, YWCA Women's Shelter, the Samaritan Centre and the Infant Food Bank. But the Give Back Gals are much more than a donation delivery service.
In December of 2019, the pair prepared and hosted a Christmas dinner for more than 40 people at Better Beginnings, Better Future, having been inspired by the efforts of the non-profit organization and its staff.
The evening included an appetizer, dinner and dessert, as well as a gift for every child in attendance.
"We will help wherever it is needed," said Hutchins.
Hutchins is a graduate of Cambrian College's public relations program, while St. Jean is in the process of completing her degree in social work at Laurentian University. They said these educational backgrounds complement the other beautifully and were a big inspiration behind their desire to launch Give Back Gals.
Both founders had the opportunity to engage in forms of fundraising during their educational careers, which opened their eyes to local charity work and how often it goes unnoticed, they said. It also brought their attention to areas they felt could be improved.
Give Back Gals ensures donations make it to the right hands, in a timely manner, said St. Jean. While at the same time, raising awareness for that particular non-profit organization or initiative, and how easy supporting your community can be.
Right now, they are in the process of collecting donations of backpacks, winter clothing and winter essentials, to be packaged and distributed to Sudbury's less fortunate. Those looking to participate are more than welcome to, said Hutchins, but alternatively, she encourages people to create a care package of their own to distribute as they see fit.
"Pack it and leave it in the back of your car and then you can hand it out when needed," she said.
In the future, the pair hopes to establish Give Back Gals as a registered charity with an office to accommodate drop-offs and pick-ups, but for now, their spare rooms will suffice.
Find more information on Give Back Gals and how you can participate by visiting their Instagram or Facebook page.
