Interfaith charity project aids community shelters
[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/bathtub_project.jpg” caption=”Hanieh Rahimi, left, and Lily Klein, organizers of the Bathtub Project, are surrounded by some of the donations already given to them on the first day of their charity project. Photo credit: Chantall Van Raay”]A toothbrush, a stuffed toy, a hairbrush sometimes taken for granted, these small donations can make a big difference to those in need.
This week, students from various faith groups across campus are collecting toiletries, toys and money for battered women's and children's shelters during the second annual Bathtub Project, launching today (Monday, Nov. 15) in the McMaster University Student Centre.
“This project will provide urgently needed supplies, enabling shelters to continue their important work in the community,” says Hanieh Rahimi, a third-year Bachelor of Health Sciences student, who has organized the project with third-year nursing student Lily Klein. “Many McMaster student groups, ranging from religious/cultural to social to educational are participating in this.”
The “Rub a Dub Dub Drop Your Stuff in the Tub Bathtub Project” is an interfaith charity project to collect toiletries, toys and money for battered women's and children's shelters in the Hamilton community. A donation table will be set up from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week of Nov. 15 in the MUSC atrium. Some of the donations they hope to collect include: travel sized toiletries, toiletry samples, toothbrushes, floss, tampons, deodorant, eye masks, razors, tea bags, travel bottles/containers, baskets of all sizes, cellophane basket wrap, ribbon and stocking stuffer toys for children.
“The basis behind this project is to implement an awareness campaign surrounding the issues related to women's health, sexual assault and domestic violence within the McMaster community,” Klein says.
Shelters to benefit include Hamilton's Sexual Assault Center, YWCA Women's Residence, Mary's Place, Martha's House Summerville, Interval House, Native Women's Center and Inasmuch House.
Donations can also be dropped off at the Jewish Students Association office in the Commons Building, Rm. B103; or they can be picked up upon request. To have donations picked up call the JSA office at 905-522-7215 or contact bathtubproject@yahoo.ca.
Donations will be wrapped in gift baskets and presented at a Dec. 6 ceremony commemorating the Montreal Massacre of 1989 of female engineering students.
As well, on Nov 17 and 18, Student Health Education Center (SHEC) representatives will give white ribbons out to students to symbolize men's opposition to men's violence against women. Students will be urged to wear a white ribbon during this period and talk in school about the problem of violence.
