The Giving Shop at Oakridge Fashions kicks off the giving season

AS York is one of the charities benefitting from sales from The Giving Shop

The Alzheimer Society of York Region (AS York) was on hand as the giving season kicked off at Oakridge Fashion Inc. in Aurora.

The women’s clothing store hosted their tree lighting event Nov. 13, which launched this year’s The Giving Shop at Oakridge Fashions.

“As the lights dimmed, the voices of the youth from Marquee Theatrical Productions raised up in song,” said Deb Clark, the owner of Oakridge Fashions. “It was a beautiful evening and one that I look forward to every year. It reminds everyone there that this is what giving is all about.”

The Giving Shop offers unique items, carefully curated and not usually found in her Yonge Street location, Clark said.

“It’s good fun,” Clark said about finding the items she offers in The Giving Shop, which this year includes scarves from Mongolia, mindfulness bangles created by a woman in Texas, board games and hostess gifts such as cheese board and knives, stocking stuffers and other items.

“There is something for everyone,” Clark said. “The Giving Shop is a one-stop place where you can buy local and support the community in which you live.”

It’s also a way to raise funds for local York Region charities, including AS York.

AS York is one of the featured charities that will receive money from The Giving Shop sales.

“Many of my clientele have been touched by Alzheimer’s,” Clark said. “A parent, a grandparent, a spouse: dementia is touching more and more lives.”

Clark, whose father passed away from dementia, said what she likes about AS York is that the organization provides programs and services to the person diagnosed with the disease and their caregivers.

“Dementia is difficult for the person who receives the diagnosis, but it’s also difficult for those  closest to that person.”

AS York’s CEO Kari Quinn-Humphrey was at the Nov. 13 tree lighting, which included a reading from Clark’s latest picture book, beverages, and a chance for guests to learn about this year’s featured charities .

“It was a lovely night and a great way to kick off the holiday season,” Quinn-Humphrey said. “We are so grateful to Oakridge Fashions for choosing AS York as a beneficiary for this year’s The Giving Shop. Without the generosity of people like Deb, we would not be able to provide programs and services to York Region residents impacted by dementia.”

In addition to raising funds for AS York, Clark said she hopes that people who visit The Giving Shop will learn more about dementia and the local organization that supports people impacted by it.

“By hearing and learning, I hope guests are inspired to volunteer and support in any way they can,” Clark said. “Building awareness across the region is so important. Knowing what organizations do is so important. When we support our local charities, everyone wins.”

Quinn-Humphrey said dementia is often a lonely journey for the person diagnosed with the disease and their care partners.

“AS York offers programs such as social work care, support groups and active living programs including art and nature walks. People touched by this disease are not alone. We are here to help.”

The Giving Shop runs until Dec. 24. Money from The Giving Shop is shared by several local charities, of which AS York is one.