News Release: WINGS Launching New Social Enterprise

WINGS Second Flight Children’s Boutique

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 
WINGS Launches Second Flight Children’s Boutique to Support Families Escaping Domestic Violence 
 
Edmonton, AB - June 6, 2024 - Since 1986, WINGS has been a beacon of hope for families fleeing domestic abuse, providing safe shelter, food security, and critical wrap-around services. With the support of dedicated staff, donors and volunteers, WINGS now serves over 300 women and children annually. However, financial pressures continue to mount, prompting WINGS to seek innovative ways to fund their vital programs and services.
 
In a significant step towards ensuring long-term financial stability, WINGS is proud to announce the launch of the WINGS Second Flight Children’s Boutique. This Edmonton-based social enterprise program is designed to support WINGS – Women In Need Growing Stronger and will officially take flight on June 20th, 2024. “We are very excited about the launch of Second Flight.  It will support the much needed wrap around services provided at WINGS and ensure we can continue to operate well into the future.” Says Executive Director of WINGS, Kathy Collins. 
 
The Second Flight Children’s Boutique operates on a unique model where all items sold or used in the program are donated by the community, with 100% of the proceeds going towards supporting those escaping domestic violence. Donated children’s items not needed by WINGS families or unsuitable for internal programs will be available for purchase online via the Second Flight Boutique. The revenue generated will directly fund critical services at WINGS, providing families with a second chance at a life free from abuse. 
 
"We are excited to partner with local businesses and community members who have generously donated surplus inventory and items no longer needed, helping us build inventory for sale and to support the families we serve at WINGS," said Candace Smallwood, Director of Resources and Development. 
 
The carefully curated selection of new and pre-loved children’s apparel, toys, and accessories at the Second Flight Children’s Boutique offers customers an environmentally and socially conscious retail and resale option. 
 
To support this initiative, individuals can: 
 
- Donate new or gently used children's items in "like-new" condition 
- Purchase items from the Second Flight Children's Online Boutique 
- Spread the word about Second Flight and the important work done at WINGS 

The Second Flight store will operate out of WINGS' garage space, with community partners providing drop-off locations for donations to maintain the confidentiality of the shelter location. 
 
For more information or to get involved, please contact Candace Smallwood, Director of Development and Resources CSmallwood@wingsofprovidence.ca or Kayla Belzil, Manager of Development and Community Relations at kbelzil@wingsofprovidence.ca. The online store is set to launch June 20th, so stay tuned for updates on the WINGS website, newsletter, and social media channels. https://www.wingsofprovidence.ca/second-flight   
 
WINGS expresses gratitude for the continued support and looks forward to sharing more updates about this impactful initiative. 
 
 
Contact: 
Name: Kayla Belzil 
Title: Manager, Development & Community Relations 
Email: kbelzil@wingsofprovidence.ca  
Phone: 780-953-9155