Driven By Purpose
Founded in Burlington in 2018 by Joyce Sharkey and Dianne Pruitt, Purses with a Purpose began with just 50 purses for women’s shelters and charities. By 2023, the campaign had grown to 617 purses filled with essential items. In 2024, they surpassed their goal of 800, donating an incredible 1,135 purses.
2025's campaign totalled 1557 purses. Volunteers are now in the planning stages for their 2026 campaign
2025 Community Builder Award Recipient
Purses with a Purpose was honoured to receive the 2025 Community Builders Award. This recognition belongs to everyone who has supported our mission — our volunteers and donors who make this work possible.