Purses with a Purpose is an incredible organization that has made a lasting impact on our community by providing support, dignity and comfort to women in need.
Founded six years ago, the organization started by donating 54 purses filled with essential items to local agencies and shelters. Its dedication, paired with the generosity of the local community, has led to remarkable growth with 1,135 purses distributed in 2024 alone.
This tremendous success showcases the hard work and passion behind the initiative and the reason why it is deserving of a Community Builders Award.
“We are quite surprised,” said Dianne Pruitt, co-founder of Purses with a Purpose when she was told about their win. “This gives us encouragement and promise for more hope for our organization.”
The mission of Purses with a Purpose is to help women who are facing challenging circumstances by offering practical and thoughtful gifts. Each purse is carefully filled with feminine products, gloves, scarves, socks, treats, gift cards and letters with words of encouragement. These items show the women receiving them that they are valued and cared for, offering both immediate assistance and emotional support.
“We’re passionate about what we do because we feel that we’re making a difference,” Pruitt shared. “The feedback that we’ve received from the agencies that we work with has been amazing. We’re definitely putting a smile on a lot of women’s faces. They really appreciate getting something a little extra special for themselves.”
“We started out with just the two of us,” Pruitt said. “Now, we have a group of amazing volunteers and have grown to donate to 13 different agencies in six years.”
These agencies include Shifra Homes, The Ellen Osler Home, St. Christopher’s Church, Nina’s Place, Mission Services of Hamilton, Halton Women’s Place, The Women’s Centre of Halton, Good Shepherd, Interval House of Hamilton, Compassion Society of Halton, Indigenous Women’s Shelter, Helping Hands Street Mission and Kerr Street Mission.
This growth would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the volunteers and organizers who dedicate their time and energy to this cause.
The impact of Purses with a Purpose goes beyond the women who receive these purses. The organization has inspired countless people to volunteer, donate and support the cause, creating a ripple effect of kindness. The work done by Purses with a Purpose uplifts everyone involved, strengthening the bond within our community.
The Health Care Award honours an individual or group that has made an exceptional and meaningful contribution to the health and well-being of the community. This award celebrates those whose dedication and impact extend beyond the ordinary, whether through providing outstanding care as a health care professional, demonstrating compassion and commitment in their practice or leading transformative initiatives that address critical health needs.
Congratulations to the team at Purses with a Purpose!
