Several Organizations Applaud City of Peterborough's Declaration of Gender-Based Violence Considered An Epidemic

The Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, YWCA and Peterborough Domestic Abuse Network have supported the City of Peterborough’s decision to become the 74th municipality in Ontario to declare gender-based violence an epidemic.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The declaration was made during City Council meeting on Nov. 27. The decision had fulfilled the first recommendation from the Renfrew Inquest for the formal declaration.

“This declaration is crucial in continuing to provide awareness around the impacts of violence against women,” said Brittany McMillan, Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre executive director. “Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre and our partner agencies work tirelessly to support survivors after they have experienced violence.  This motion helps support all survivors and also shifts the narrative to focus on the importance of preventing future violence.”

“This is a big step in the right direction for our community, in solidarity with dozens of other municipalities across Ontario,” says Kim Dolan, executive director, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. “On behalf of all our partner agencies, and the women, children, and gender-diverse people we serve through the YWCA, I want to thank Peterborough’s City Councillors for making this historic declaration. We look forward to working together with our fellow social service agencies as well as with the City to effect change and make a difference in the lives of all those individuals experiencing or at risk of gender-based violence.”

“PDAN members have been working toward this as a first step toward local implementation of recommendations from the Renfrew Inquest, Mass Casualty Commission and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls final reports,” said Sarah Bass, Peterborough Domestic Abuse Network manager. “These reports identify actionable items that, if implemented, will help to prevent further violence against women and girls in our community.  Our members look forward to continuing to implement further recommendations at a local level and build on these efforts.”

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Women's Business Network to Host Holiday Gala In Support of YWCA and Gender-Based Violence

The Women’s Business Network (WBN) of Peterborough is hosting its annual Holiday Gala and Auction to support YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s programs, supporting women experiencing gender-based violence on Dec. 6 at the Peterborough Holiday Inn.

Photo courtesy of Women's Business Network of Peterborough.

The online auction runs from Nov. 23 to Dec. 7 using the Nonprofit Bidding platform.

Their $15,000 goal is to help women and children in the community who are escaping abuse and violence. By 2012, the WBN had raised over $220,000 for the YWCA and to date, the WBN has raised over $340,000 in support of this imperative cause, according to a press release.

The WBN is asking the community for donations for its auction, such as gift certificates, tickets, memberships or items valued at $25 or more. Donors will have their company name/logo appear with the donated item and will receive extensive exposure through the reach of the Nonprofit Bidding platform, as stated in a press release. In addition, the donor logo will be displayed on our social media platforms and during the event. 

Anyone willing to support this can complete the Online Auction Donation Form by Nov. 15 and include their logo.

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19th Annual YWCA Empty Bowls Raises Over $33,000 in support of YWCA Nourish Food Programs

The 19th Annual YWCA Empty Bowls campaign raised $33,104 to support their Nourish Food Programs held at The Venue on Feb. 25, announced on Wednesday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF YWCA.

“Our hearts are so full,” said Kim Dolan, YWCA Executive Director. “When I pause to think about all the people and all the time that goes into making this event possible year after year, I’m overwhelmed by the good in our community.”

Ticket holders received a handcrafted ceramic or wooden bowl and a restaurant coupon card, entitling them to discounts from 12 participating local restaurants. These include Amandala’s, Baked 4U, Black Honey, Central Smith, Fresh Dreams, Naked Chocolate, Pastry Peddler, Sam’s Place, That’s a Wrap and The Cheesy Fromage. 

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Tickets Are Now On Sale for YWCA Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser

Tickets are now on sale for the 19th annual YWCA Empty Bowls fundraising event at The Venue on Feb. 25.

photo courtesy of Ywca.

YWCA Empty Bowls ticket holders will visit The Venue (286 George St. N) between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will have 30 minutes to browse and select a hand-crafted bowl. These bowls were generously donated by local artisans of the Kawartha Potters Guild and Kawartha Woodturners Guild.

Each $50 ticket also includes a local restaurant coupon card featuring discounts from various partnering restaurants and businesses, redeemable for six months.

“In Peterborough, 1-in-7 households are experiencing food-insecurity,” says YWCA manager of nourish Joëlle Favreau. “Every ticket for YWCA Empty Bowls helps individuals and families most at risk of experiencing food insecurity put fresh, local, affordable food on their tables, while also supporting the systemic changes required to end food insecurity and poverty.”

All proceeds from the event directly support YWCA Nourish Food programs throughout Peterborough City and County.

“We’re extremely grateful for the continued support of our community and our sponsors, including Kawartha Cardiology Clinic, Cornerstone Family Dentistry and The Venue, who truly understand that food insecurity is a critical health issue and a core barrier for women experiencing gender-based violence,” says YWCA executive director Kim Dolan.

Purchase you tickets online or by calling YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. For more information, contact Ria Nicholson at 705-743-3526 x113 or via email.

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Local Shoppers Drug Mart Campaign Raises Over $10,000 For YWCA Crossroads Shelter

Donations to the 2022 LOVE YOU Giving Shelter campaign by Shoppers Drug Mart raised $10,638 in support of the YWCA Peterborough Haliburton for women experiencing gender-based violence announced Wednesday.

file photo.

“We’re thrilled with the success of the LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart fall fundraising program to grow women’s health and would like to thank everyone who participated. Each year, our customers and staff demonstrate their generosity and their commitment to supporting women in our community, and we couldn’t be more proud of everyone’s contributions,” said Shoppers Drug Mart owner (High St., Chemong Road and Lansdowne St. locations) Mohan Joshi. “YWCA Peterborough Haliburton plays a critical role in our area, and the proceeds from this year’s campaign will go a long way to helping them support women who are fleeing abuse.”

This annual campaign is national in scope, yet locally based, with customers and employees donating directly to women’s shelters in the community to ensure that resources and programming are available to meet the needs of women across the country.

“Your generosity fuels YWCA intervention programs that make it possible for women and children to safely escape violence and rebuild their lives. Thank you for helping to ensure that strong, reliable support continues to be available in our community,” said YWCA executive director Kim Dolan.

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YWCA Challenge For Mom Raises Over $31,000 To Support Programs For Women Affected By Gender Based Violence

Participants of the YWCA Challenge for Mom, held between May 1 and Mother’s Day, raised more than $31,000 in support of core YWCA programs serving women and children affected by gender-based violence in Peterborough and Haliburton County.

File Photo.

“Locally, the need for emergency support has increased by 30% since the pandemic began,” explains YWCA’s Ria Nicholson. “With the rising cost of living, women trapped in violent situations - particularly mothers - have even fewer options available than before. Services like Crossroads Shelter, HERS (Haliburton Emergency Rural SafeSpace), Transition and Court Support, and Nourish food programs provided by the YWCA are absolutely essential to women’s safety.”

Many local businesses in Peterborough contributed by donating prizes.

Prizes included a Self and Home Care Prize valued at $800, donated by Euphoria Wellness Spa and Swish Maintenance Ltd., a Décor Prize valued at $750, donated by Leon’s Peterborough and a Foodie Prize valued at $475, donated by Ashburnham Alehouse, Primal Cuts, Morello’s Independent and Millbrook Mercantile. Prize winners were notified personally following the draw on May 31.

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton receives only partial government funding and relies on annual fundraising initiatives to cover basic operating costs. Anyone wishing to add their support is encouraged to visit ywcapeterborough.org or contact Ria Nicholson, Lead Philanthropic Advisor, at 705-743-3526 x113 or rnicholson@ywcapeterborough.org.

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Peterborough Kinsmen Raise $20,000 For YWCA Crossroads Emergency Shelter For Gender-Based Violence

The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough donated $20,000 in support of Safe Nights at YWCA Crossroads Shelter this month announced on Thursday.

Barry Craft, Kinsmen Club of Peterborough president (left) and Kim Dolan, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Executive Director (right).

The emergency shelter is for women and children experiencing gender-based violence.

"The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough is very fortunate to be in a position to provide financial assistance to the YWCA Crossroads Safe Nights program,” said Barry Craft, Kinsmen Club of Peterborough president, “This donation is a result of the tremendous community support we have experienced with the Kinsmen Super TV Bingo recently.”

YWCA Crossroads Shelter has remained open throughout the pandemic.

The need for violence against women services has risen by approximately 30 per cent since the onset of the COVID-19 according to the YWCA.

“This wonderful demonstration of support will provide just over 300 Safe Nights for women and children in our community who have no safe place to turn,” said Kim Dolan, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Executive Director. “We’re immensely grateful for the Kinsmen’s support and continued dedication to our local community.”

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The David And Patricia Morton Family Foundation Gives $50,000 In Support of YWCA HERS

A $50,000 donation from The Morton Family Foundation is helping to ensure that women and children experiencing gender-based violence continue to have a SafeSpace to call home in Haliburton County.

Photo courtesy of YWCA Peterborough.

“We are deeply moved by Patricia and David’s positive impact in the Haliburton County community,” said Kim Dolan, Executive Director of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. “The Morton’s compassion for others is helping to ensure that women and children have ongoing access to our Emergency SafeSpace, nutritious food, basic necessities, and 24 hour support when home is the most dangerous place to be.”

YWCA HERS provides safe and supportive temporary accommodations for women, with and without children, who are fleeing abuse in Haliburton County. This innovative service, designed to be available on an as-needed basis in order to help reduce costs, offers space for up-to two families at a time so that women can move away from the abusive situation in their home, without leaving their support systems, jobs and schools, families and friends behind.

For safety reasons, the YWCA ensures 24 hour staffing during evenings, nights and weekends when the units are occupied.

The COVID-19 crisis has created a toxic combination of increased stress, isolation and job losses that is leading to a dramatic rise in violence. This is especially true for rural women, whose physical distance from police services and lack of resources to assist in accessing safety and support greatly increases their vulnerability to gender-based violence.

HERS has been fully occupied since January 2021 and rural women in Haliburton County have reported abuse that is far more serious and complex throughout the pandemic. Like women’s organizations across the province, the YWCA is facing heightened demand and increasing costs.

“We are so happy to give this donation to such a worthy cause!” said Patricia Morton on behalf of The Morton Family Foundation. “We have been greatly inspired by the expertise and tremendous dedication which the YW’s Haliburton staff bring to their work, both in providing women with safety and security to plan how to build better lives for themselves and their children, and in providing expert professional support services to assist their healing from trauma.”

“As a man I am just appalled and disgusted by violence against women and children. I am grateful at least to have this opportunity to extend a helping hand to the brave women who, with the wonderful support of our YWCA, are striving hard to empower themselves,” said David Morton.

Members of the community who wish to donate or find ways of supporting YWCA services in Haliburton County are encouraged to visit www.ywcahaliburton.org or contact Ria Nicholson directly at 705-743-3526 x113 or rnicholson@ywcapeterborough.org.

Donations made before Dec. 31 will be doubled during the YWCA’s holiday season matching gift campaign.

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Peterborough and the Kawarthas Association of REALTORS Members Donate to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton has been chosen as Peterborough and the Kawarthas Association of Realtor’s (PKAR REALTOR) selected charity of 2021 resulting in a donation of $23,318.74.

Photo courtesy of YWCA.

Each year PKAR REALTOR members select a registered charity to support, through the RealtorsCare Foundation of Ontario, with a focus on initiatives that directly benefit shelter-based needs in our community.

“It is integral for us to get behind this meaningful organization and contribute towards helping provide support for women who experience violence and abuse,” said Jon Maxwell, president of PKAR. “As a result of the generosity of our REALTOR members over the years, PKAR is proud to have donated over $100,000.00 to local charities like the YWCA.”

“YWCA Peterborough Haliburton is honoured to receive this generous donation from PKAR in order to provide much-needed safe shelter and support for local women and children experiencing gender-based violence,” said Kim Dolan, Executive Director of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. “The need at YWCA Crossroads Shelter has increased as a result of the pandemic and we are immensely thankful to PKAR’s membership for their dedicated and compassionate response.”

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton provides safe shelter, resources and support to help women safely escape violent situations, build upon their existing strength, and move forward in their lives.

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LOVE YOU Shoppers Drug Mart Campaign to Support YWCA

Proceeds from the 20th annual LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart campaign in Peterborough will support local YWCA services for women experiencing gender-based violence.

File photo

Until Friday, Nov. 5, customers have the opportunity to purchase and personalize a $1 leaf, $5 butterfly, $10 apple, or a $50 bird in support of the YWCA. Icons will be displayed in each store’s front window for the duration of the campaign.

“We’re honoured and grateful to have been selected as Shoppers Drug Mart’s charity of choice again this year,” said YWCA’s Ria Nicholson. “Unfortunately, violence against women tends to increase leading up to the holiday season. Our community’s compassionate support will ensure that emergency shelter and crisis supports continue to be available for women in need.”

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton offers an array of women-centred programs, including Crossroads Shelter, which provides 24 hour emergency shelter, meals and support to women, with and without children, who are fleeing abuse of any kind (physical, emotional, sexual or financial), 365 days a year.

“Our community’s response so far this year has been truly heartening,” said Mohan Joshi, Pharmacist/Owner of the Shoppers Drug Marts on Lansdowne Street and Chemong Road in Peterborough. “It’s a pleasure to partner with the YWCA and to be able to raise awareness about such an important local resource for women.”

The LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart fall fundraising program to grow women’s health is a four-week program held across Canada each fall. In support of leading women’s health organizations, customers, staff and Associate-Owners at over 1,360 Shoppers Drug Mart/Phamaprix/Wellwise locations raise funds through the purchase and personalization of the fall program paper icons.

Since 2011, LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart™ has supported more than 450 women’s charities annually across Canada.

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