Conin Erbenich’s mother was her best friend and since she passed away three Christmases ago, the holiday season has been a difficult time.
But Erbenich directs her pain into a positive outlet, continuing their tradition of creating gift baskets for women who use the Revelstoke Women’s Shelter Society.
“Instead of letting the grief overwhelm me I choose to spend my time giving back,” Erbenich explains.
”Revelstoke is an amazing community that was there for me and my family during this difficult period of my life. I believe my spirituality has been key to my positive mindset and ability to move forward.”
Her mother Carolyn Chwyl was a care aide for long-term care facility Mt. Cartier Court for ten years. She moved to Revelstoke when Erbenich started having children and together they gave back.
“She was very community minded,” Erbenich says. “She would see a need and fill it.”
This year the number of gift baskets given to the shelter has doubled. 20 baskets full of mostly local goodies, worth $150 each, will be distributed to the shelter’s residents and women in the community who are in need.
To create these baskets, Erbenich undertakes the huge task of calling on friends, churches and businesses — connections she has grown over her past 20 years in Revelstoke — for physical and monetary donations.
As well as the baskets, she spent donated money locally to provide $2000 worth of miscellaneous gifts for women throughout the year including haircuts from First Impressions, yoga passes to The Alchemy Studio, and much more.
“I want women in our community to know they are welcomed and supported,” Erbenich says. “I know some women who use the shelter are not from here, I want them to know they are thought of by our gift baskets.”
It’s a show of community support, particularly outstanding this year when so many are struggling financially. As shelter executive Lynn Loeppky says items like this help women feel treated and cared for.
“Christmas is often a time of year where people are sad,” Loeppky says. “It isn’t that joyous for everyone. I think in giving them a little bit of joy they appreciate that. Some women are coming to the shelter with absolutely nothing and we have something that welcomes them.”
Erbenich and her mom chose the women’s shelter as they believed in the cause and it first started out as just a few baskets. Now Erbenich has created the charity Helping Hands to authenticate it and allow others to become involved. Email [email protected] to get involved.
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