A line of people snakes around the outside of the Weston Memorial Community Centre. It’s a beautiful, sunny day, and community members are waiting patiently for the doors to open for the Women’s Day of Caring.
As they trickle in, laughter and chit-chat fill the space, and they quickly begin sorting through towering heaps of donated clothing, shoes, accessories, and home goods, filling bags, baskets—and even wagons—with their finds. Some head straight to the makeshift salon, where Aveda students offer complimentary haircuts in a calming, spa-like environment.
For Tegan, this event is a chance to focus on herself while spending time with friends.
“Can I say that I come here for the free clothes?” Tegan says, laughing as she sifts through donations. “I come here to find clothes for myself, mostly. I look for stuff for my kids, too, but they always get stuff—I never do.”
Tegan’s lightheartedness captures the essence of the day perfectly.
Now in its 19th year, the Women’s Day of Caring is a free event hosted by United Way Winnipeg in partnership with NorWest Co-Op Community Health to honour women and gender-diverse people. In addition to the popular clothing boutique and free haircuts, the afternoon features hygiene supplies, child minding, and a delicious hot lunch.
Tegan is one of roughly 150 people passing through the bustling community centre, which is brimming with joyful energy.
“I think it’s nice because even outside in the line when we’re waiting, we’re chatting with people,” says Tegan. “So, it’s also like a networking thing.”
Oksana, who works with NorWest, deftly navigates the packed room, folding and reorganizing the clothing piles. She notes that this event is one that the community looks forward to all year.
“I’m really very glad to see my community members here. I get calls and questions all the time asking, ‘when is women’s day?’ so they are always looking forward to these days,” says Oksana. “For them, it’s a great opportunity to grab some clothes because it’s so expensive, especially for kids.”
Oksana notes that clothing and food are two urgent needs for the community, and donations for them go very quickly. She also echoes Tegan’s sentiment that the social aspect of the afternoon is just as important as the items people receive.
“There are so many challenges the community is facing,” says Oksana. “But this event is about more than the free stuff; it’s about them seeing each other and just hanging out,” she says.
Robin, the Tenant Services Coordinator at Blake Gardens, shares that same appreciation for the event’s atmosphere.
“It’s always a feel-good environment here,” she says.
At a time when many Winnipeggers are navigating rising costs, food insecurity, and other challenges, the Women’s Day of Caring offers a space to laugh, connect, and feel the support of their community.
