Issue date: 11/23/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Allie Clark Angie Martinez, Rikki Triem, Brittany Bice and Tonga Hopri collect CARDV Wish List supplies at Safeway on Philomath Boulevard Sunday afternoon.

By Allie Clark

The Daily Barometer

Sunday is typically a day of rest and relaxation, but that wasn't the case yesterday for five young women who braved the cold to stand outside the Safeway on Philomath Boulevard for four hours collecting items such as toiletries, toys, gift cards and household items for the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence's Wish List.

All the items collected go to women and children who have been affected by rape and domestic violence.

While the fundraiser was originally part of a project for the group's women studies 224 course, Women: Personal/Social Change, "it became much more than that," said Angie Martinez, a junior in new media communications.

Brittany Bice, a sophomore in exercise and sport science, says it's important to bring attention to the issue of domestic violence, as well as the issue of how many people lack basic necessities.

"Imagine leaving your house in a fire with nothing but what's on your back," said Andrea Bidowski, a junior in psychology, in between stopping grocery shoppers and telling them about the project. "That's how it is for these women and kids and they have the courage to leave abusive situations. I'd stand out here in the snow for that."

Tonga Hopri, a sophomore in English, agreed.

"This fundraiser is something we can share in, something we believe in," Hopri said. "It gives us a feeling of connection."

Rikki Triem, a sophomore in human development and family sciences, explained that the group decided to do a project benefitting CARDV after seeing a presentation that a CARDV representative put on in their class. "We've had a really good outcome," Triem said. "The last thing we wanted was to be out here and not get a response."

Not getting a response was hardly a problem, as the group collected three grocery carts full of supplies. At times the generosity of the community overwhelmed them, such as when a man dropped off a bag full of children's no-tear shampoo and kids' hair ties.

"He obviously thought about what kids need," Triem said, who was clearly moved by the concern that was displayed in all the donations the group received.

"It makes up for all the people who don't care, to see the people who are just flowing with care," Hopri said.

As the fundraiser ended for the day and the group packed the trunk and back seat of two cars full with supplies for women and children in need, the young women discussed plans to repeat the drive another day.

Though the project for their class is complete, the group is continuing to collect supplies. New personal care items, socks, underwear, household items, children's toys and miscellaneous items such as gift cards and bus tickets are among some of the items on CARDV's Wish List. The full list is available at www.cardv.peak.org/wishlist.php. Donations can be dropped off at the Asian and Pacific Cultural Center, located at 27th Street and Jackson Avenue, or Intercultural Student Services, located on the first floor of Kerr.

"This is what people miss about giving," Hopri said, "the good feeling."


Allie Clark, staff writer

737-2231, news@dailybarometer.com

If you would like to donate items call CARDV at (541) 758-0219 ext. 303 for more details.