Spring cleaning is around the corner, but you can start early by donating your gently used suitcases and backpacks to the Portage Family Abuse Prevention Centre. The Portage Chapter of the Canadian University Women's Club (CFUW) has organized a suitcase drive as a kick off to the organizations 100th anniversary. The Portage Chapter is celebrating 67 years!

Fran Myles is the Programs Coordinator for CFUW Portage, and she explains this outreach project is the perfect way to celebrate the 100th year of the club.

"It's a chance to reach out and expand," notes Myles. "Our mandate is to promote women and women's security, health, and education. It's all about women supporting women."

Pauline Chudzik is the treasurer for CFUW Portage. She explains they decided to do a suitcase drive for the Portage Family Abuse Prevention Centre because they know it will benefit the community. 

Some gently used suitcases

If you have a suitcase or backpacks you want to donate, bring them down to the Royal Canadian Legion at 275 Duke Avenue in Portage la Prairie. Drop off days are from February 18th to 23rd between noon and 10:00 p.m.

If you cannot get there yourself, you can call Fran at 204-857-7146 to arrange to have your donations picked up.