Being inside the Women and Children's Shelter of Barrie was a moving experience for Sharon Smith.
During a recent tour, Smith noted the tight security and the many doors where clients stayed in their rooms as she was shown around.
"It was heartbreaking," said Smith, owner of Connect Hair Studio. "And when they told me it was $5,000 just for the cost for one week, I'm thinking there are 51 other weeks. So it's a tough nut for them to crack to be able to keep the place going."
The experience prompted Smith to make the Women and Children’s Shelter of Barrie the focus of this year’s second annual Women’s Connection being held at Smith's Ferndale Drive Hair Studio.
The event on Monday May 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. will feature a vendor's market showcasing 16 small businesses owned by local women, a silent auction, paddle auction, raffles and more.
Tickets also include complimentary wine, cheese and hors d’ouvres and all proceeds raised will go to the Shelter.
Smith acknowledges the goal of $5,000 will be a challenge - but she's not worried.
"Connect," she said, referring to the name of her salon. "I didn't come by that name haphazardly. It's my ability to connect with people."
Last year's Women's Connection raised money for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Smith learned there were 32 people staying at the shelter when she was there and it is "jammed to capacity."
Without seeing any of the clients' faces during her visit, Smith wonders about the dire circumstances of the people on the other side of all those doors.
"You wonder what their stories are and it could be anybody."
Tickets to Women's Connection 2 are available at Connect Hair Studio at 211 Ferndale Dr. S for $15.
