Girls Run Winnipeg is partnering with the U of M Women’s Centre to run an essentials drive in support of Sakeenah Homes, a Winnipeg-based women’s shelter for survivors of domestic violence.

Rimsha Sohail, a coordinator with Girls Run Winnipeg, confirmed the initiative is a collaborative effort with the Women’s Centre to support Sakeenah Homes as they continue to provide communal housing to women who have experienced domestic abuse. The organization relies on donations to support residents’ daily needs. The drive is collecting household and personal care items, including non-perishable foods and hygiene products, such as “canned food, body wash, shampoo, deodorant, laundry detergent, toilet paper, things like that, that are just essential to a household,” Sohail explained.

Donations are being collected from Jan. 5 to 20 at the Women’s Centre at 190 Helen Glass Centre and will be delivered to Sakeenah Homes later in the month.

Nadiya Karimi, another coordinator with Girls Run Winnipeg, said Sakeenah Homes was chosen because of the various supports it offers to women beyond emergency shelter.

“Not only do they offer shelter, meals, clothes, hygiene products and medication, they also provide security,” Karimi explained. “They also help with skill development for the women, so they engage in art therapy, digital literacy and mindful workshops.” Karimi added that they also offer workshops for the children of women the organization supports.

Eman Ismael, a coordinator with Girls Run Winnipeg, worked with the Women’s Centre to coordinate the logistics of the drive.

Ismael said the group decided to support a single shelter to manage donations effectively. Sakeenah Homes is a confidential domestic violence shelter, and they do not want many to know the location, which is why the organization is sending the donations with one individual. Founded in October 2024, Girls Run Winnipeg began as a running group and has since grown into a women-led community that organizes wellness events, workshops and volunteer initiatives across Winnipeg. While the group is not officially affiliated with the U of M, many of its organizers and participants are students.

In addition to community events, the group operates a merchandise line where proceeds from sweater sales are donated to Sakeenah Homes.

“Everything is appreciated for the drive,” Ismael said. “No matter how big or small the donation is.”