This Mother’s Day, buy a gift that supports Canadian small businesses!

Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto is honoring mothers this year by hosting our #NEWleaders Silent Auction to raise funds for Afghan sisters in our Sister2Sister Advanced Leadership program! As featured on The Globe and Mail, this program nurtures immigrant women to become leaders in their communities, and advocate for the causes that matter to them. What better way to honour your mother, the first leader you knew, than by getting her a gift that empowers #NEWleaders in the community?

In 2021, thousands of Afghan women fled their homes in search of safety, and to retain the right to pursue their dreams. NEW stepped up the plate, with your help, to create a leadership program that supports and empowers Afghan newcomer women to accomplish their dreams, even in a new country. We’ve been able to create a safe space, a community for newcomer and refugee women to feel comfortable sharing their lived experiences, supported by women around them who have felt the same way. Our program has given our Sisters an opportunity to grow, to learn, to integrate into the Canadian lifestyle, to make Canada feel like a new home.

Help us continue to empower our Afghan Sisters as #NEWleaders by buying your Mother’s Day gift at our silent auction! You’ll find a selection of beautiful, hand-made jewelry from small businesses with powerful stories – there is a gift for every mothers’ preference! Join us April 25th – May 2nd and bid on your favourite items, you’ll receive a gift for your mother, give a gift to another woman, and support local small businesses led by refugees!

Campaign Partners

We’re proud to say that most of the businesses who are supporting our #NEWleaders campaign are led by refugees and and their products are made with love by refugees!

Arlokea

Each piece in our store is handmade in small batches and tells a story. At Arlokea, we dedicate ourselves to thoughtfully sourcing material, artisan groups and suppliers that support marginalized individuals, commit to sustainability and have give- back initiatives that truly have an impact on people’s lives and well-being.

Take a look at the beautiful jewelry pieces you’ll be able to bid for:

 

Laylana Jewelry Inc.

Laylana Jewelry Inc. is an online business that was established by Rana Knio offering unique and customized jewelry items tailored to every woman’s taste. The items are handmade and crafted to a detail that you'll rarely find with any other retailer. They are made with love and you can feel the passion in every item. Rana was inspired to start this venture after taking part in our Sister2Sister Leadership Development program as a mentor!

Take a look at the beautiful jewelry pieces you’ll be able to bid for:

 

Cardamom & Co.

We’re a husband and wife duo who started this little venture thanks to pandemic-induced boredom in 2020. We spread joy and connection to people’s lives through personalized care packages and gifts with a focus on premium teas and chai. We take care of the gift wrapping, card writing, and delivery for you. Send a care package to someone who deserves some appreciation today!

Take a look at the delicious teas you could enjoy:

Hailed Coffee

Hailed Coffee has a unique take on coffee- and life! Nestled in a warm space where Toronto's vibrant community can enjoy different forms of art, Hailed Coffee is proud to host a rich social and arts program. We serve locally roasted high-grade coffee beans and infuse our drinks with an in-house specialty, the Hailed shot.

Check out the delicious coffee and treats in the gift baskets:

SITTI

Sitti is a conscious lifestyle brand committed to the self-reliance of refugee & displaced communities through long-term employment opportunities & skill development training, empowered by an inclusive global economy.

Check out the International Women's Day Gift Set that’ll be up for bid:

Jas Hawamdeh Art

Jas Hawamdeh Art is an independent art business run by Jasmine Hawamdeh and is based in Toronto, ON. The artwork is inspired by the artists’ Arab heritage, the exploration of identity and the Arabic language. Jasmine is most known for their various holiday cards. From Mothers’ Day to Ramadan - there’s something for everyone.

You’ll be able to bid for the Mother’s Day Gift set, a card and mug specially designed:

Mama’s Plate

Mama’s Plate is a Syrian Sweets and Savory treats business run by a successful refugee woman, an amazing chef! Two boxes of Mamaoul (Syrian cookies) are up for bid, they’re delicious cookies filled with dates: