A pair of Winnipeggers set out to make sure women staying in shelters had something to celebrate around Valentine’s Day.

Sara Smith and Laina Hughes organized “Galentine’s Day” to raise money to help women staying at two city shelters treat themselves during the most romantic time of the year.

They say for some women facing homelessness or domestic problems, treating themselves isn't an option or a priority. So they created a Facebook page, collected DVDs, snacks and raised nearly $1,000 to give to women staying at the North End Women’s Centre and Ikwe-Widdjiitiwin.

"I think that if you're going to do anything on the day of love, it should be about sharing love with other people, and maybe people who don't have as much as you might have," said Smith.

Galentine's Day was inspired by the TV show “Parks and Recreation,” in which the main character Leslie Knope plans a Galentine's Day for her female friends every Feb. 13.

Smith and Hughes first started their version of Galentine’s Day last year, when they collected movies for women staying at Osborne House.

“I worked at a place that does a used movie sale, and I just saw all these movies and thought they could brighten someone’s day if they didn’t have a Valentine,” said Smith.

They put out a call on Facebook, collected chocolate and raised a couple hundred dollars.

This year, they only solicited cash donations in order to buy quality items for the women. “This year, we planned it a little more, so we thought we could bring some sweetness and some comforting, feel-good movies to a couple of women’s shelters in Winnipeg,” said Smith.

They first contacted the shelters more than a month ago to make sure they were interested.

The movies came from the Winnipeg Humane Society, which was holding a movie and book sale. “So, we were able to help two charities with one swoop there,” said Smith.

With the money, they purchased “indulgent, luxurious treats” like chocolates, cookies, teas and hot chocolate.

Even those who don’t have a romantic partner can use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to think about others, said Smith.

“On days like this, instead of just celebrating ourselves and what we have, we can help others.”