Niagara College grad, Erica Williams visited her alma mater on Thursday in an effort to propel a cause that supports Black women in shelters.

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“What we do is provide the advocacy for community members that identify as Black, African, and Caribbean and we also donate haircare products for Black women staying in shelters in Ontario,” Williams said.

Williams launched Erica’s Embrace in 2018, a non-profit that supports women in shelters across Niagara and southern Ontario.

Those in attendance at a pop-up shop to raise money for Erica’s Embrace purchased meals and proceeds will go to the organization.

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Niagara College and Williams say this is the only service available along the Golden Horseshoe that delivers these sorts of products to spaces that lack them. Williams says most hair products are for straight hair and women with versatile and curlier hair need specific items.

Williams continues to expand her reach with volunteers in Hamilton and Kitchener who deliver beauty products and have aligned themselves with local businesses.

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Williams says the organization has raised a total of $7,000 and has delivered several hundred products to date.