Battlefords North Stars billet and parent mothers pose with donated essential supplies collected during a parent and billet weekend, Jan. 23-24, to support women experiencing or fleeing violence. The items were donated to Anchor and Thread Community Services. (Image Credit: Battlefords North Stars)

By Kenneth Cheung

community spirit

North Stars moms step up to support women fleeing violence

Feb 4, 2026 | 11:42 AM

When women leave violent situations, they often leave with little more than what they can carry, sometimes nothing at all.

That reality inspired parents and billet families connected to the Battlefords North Stars to gather essential supplies for women supported by Anchor and Thread Community Services.

For executive director Amber Stewart, the donation highlighted the depth of community support behind the effort.

“Blessed,” Stewart said. “They did all of the work. …We’re very grateful that they selected us.”

The effort began during a recent parent and billet weekend, when the team reached out to ask what items victims fleeing violence most urgently need. Families then collected supplies and delivered them to the centre for distribution.

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Those donation items include practical essentials such as feminine hygiene products, body care products, blankets, and socks.

“If you leave with nothing, just some essentials that you might need, which often people don’t think about,” Stewart said.

“We will make sure they’re getting to the people that need it.”

North Stars marketing manager Isabel Smith, who is also a billet mom herself, said the drive aimed to unite hockey families around helping others while recognizing the women who support the team.

“Because they’re such strong people, from raising hockey players and being in the community,” Smith said.

“I really think that having them being involved in an initiative that speaks so well about women and the care that they are supposed to receive, that it makes the community much stronger than it really is.”

The turnout exceeded expectations.

“I really didn’t honestly expect this much turnout from it, but it was so surprising to see everyone who was able to just give and be thoughtful and generous,” Smith said.

Stewart said community support remains essential.

“It does take the whole community,” she said. “It’s the job of the entire community to ensure that we are providing safe spaces for people experiencing violence.”

Anchor and Thread Community Services executive director Amber Stewart, far right, and Battlefords North Stars marketing manager Isabel Smith, next to Stewart, stand with centre staff beside donated essential supplies collected by North Stars families for women experiencing or fleeing violence. (Image Credit: North Stars Battlefords)

Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com