A day to make a difference

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This article was published 18/11/2025 (303 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The world could use more mitzvah — more good deeds.

“So many people feel powerless, thinking nothing they do makes a difference,” Sharon Graham, past president of the Winnipeg section of the National Council of Jewish Women Canada, said.

“But they are wrong. Every good deed, no matter how small, does make a difference.”

While people can do a good deed any time, she is particularly excited for Mitzvah Day this Sunday, when the Winnipeg section is doing Pack a Purse for the Fort Garry Women’s Resource Centre.

The council is asking for donations of gently used purses and hygiene products, cosmetics, deodorant, hand cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes and other items that will be given to the centre’s clients.

“There are lots of people in this city who have needs, and lots of people who want to help,” Graham said. “Through Mitzvah Day, they can be brought together.”

Mitzvah Day was started in the U.S. in 1991 and went international in 2005. It was started in Winnipeg by the council seven years ago.

The idea behind it is the Jewish concept of tikkun olam, or “repairing the world.” By focusing on one day to do charitable acts, it is a way to do good together. That could be helping a neighbour, giving blood or even picking up litter.

“Even if people aren’t able to donate something, they can still do good on that day,” Graham said.

Colleen King, the centre’s public education and communications co-ordinator, said the donations are very welcome.

“We always need self-care and hygiene items for our clients,” King said.

Many clients are dealing with anxiety, trauma and domestic violence. The donations will remind them that “someone remembered them, especially during the holiday season … it’s a bit of extra love at this time of year,” King said.

The centre offered 3,710 counselling sessions for adults and 230 for children last year, served 150 women through a weekly drop-in, and provided food for 12 families.

“We so greatly appreciate the support of the council,” King said. “Our clients will be thrilled.”

In addition to the Winnipeg section of the council, which is marking its 100th anniversary this year, 27 other mostly Jewish groups in the city are participating in Mitzvah Day.

Anyone who wants to donate purses, or items to put in them, can email info@ncjwcwinnipeg.org or call 204-339-7291 by Friday.

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