An annual event wants all women to feel special on Valentine's Day, regardless of their situation. 

Galentine's Day is collecting donations ahead of its second event in Winnipeg on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018. 

The event gives abused women staying in shelters a chance to indulge in some things that may not be readily available to them, like candy, chocolate and self care products. 

Organizer Sara Smith says Valentine's Day can typically be hard for women who aren't with anyone, but for women who are abused, it can be much worse. 

"Whether or not you're with a partner you can treat yourself in some way if you're not feeling like celebrating that day, but there's a lot of people in our community who don't have that luxury," Smith says. "Living with heartbreak is one thing, but living with heartbreak on top of trauma or homelessness or being in transition is quite another."

Smith says Galentine's Day has technically been going on for four years, but this is the second year they are putting on the event. In the first two years, they would collect donations and drop them off at a local women's shelter. 

Last year they hosted their first event and prepared gift packages for each women who attended. 

"We realize survival isn't enough and we want women in this community to feel like they are valued and loved," Smith said. "We want to make that day sweeter for those women."  

Smith says they are collecting donations until February 9, 2018, when they will go shopping to pick up the items. She says the packages include some necessities, but they mostly want to focus on these women treating themselves. 

"We definitely include feminine hygiene items because as a women that's something we can never overlook," Smith says. "Other than that it is definitely about the indulgences and the luxuries. We realize there are so many great organizations and centres working to provide those basic needs to people in our community, but this day is about the little extras that kind of make you feel special."

Smith says cash donations are the best way to help out and people can donate by visiting the Galentine's Day Go Fund Me page. If people want to organize a material donation, they can contact organizers at galentineswpg@gmail.com. 

Through the North End Women's Centre, they expect to get packages to approximately 300 women this year.