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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Annual Shoppers Drug Mart Love You Campaign Raises Over $14,000 For YWCA Peterborough Haliburton

Community support for the 2021 LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart fall campaign resulted in a $14,081 donation to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton earlier this week.

Tanya Farrow, Store Manager (left) alongside High Street & Lansdowne Shoppers Drug Mart team members. Photo courtesy of YWCA Peterborough.

One hundred percent of in-store donations, made through the purchase of paper icons in Peterborough stores, helped fund YWCA Crossroads Shelter and support programs for women experiencing gender-based violence.

“We are truly thankful for the combined support of our community and the entire Peterborough Shoppers Drug Mart team,” said Kim Dolan, Executive Director of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. “The need for violence against women (VAW) support services has remained high since the onset of the pandemic. This generous donation will provide much-needed safety, resources and support to women in crisis.”

The LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart fall fundraising program to grow women’s health is an annual four-week campaign and is one of the leading partnership programs of the LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart platform.

Since 2011, the fall fundraising program has supported more than 450 women’s charities annually across Canada.

“The YWCA is an absolutely essential resource for women and children living in Peterborough,” said Mohan Joshi, Owner of Shoppers Drug Mart High St., Chemong Road and Landsdowne St. locations. “We are honoured to be able to continue our commitment to their work in partnership with our generous customers and staff team.”

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YWCA Crossroads Shelter receives $20,000 donation from The Peterborough District Masonic Association

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton announced a charitable contribution of $20,000 from The Peterborough District Masonic Association, on Wednesday.

YWCA’s Ria Nicholson receives a donation from The Peterborough District Masonic Association, presented by Right Worshipful Brother Tom Mortlock, District Deputy Grand Master (centre), and Worshipful Brother Philip Lake, District Secretary (right) Photo courtesy of YWCA Crossroads Shelter.

This donation will help ensure safe shelter and support services for local women and children experiencing violence.

“Community leaders like the Masonic Association who prioritize equity, safety and an end to gender-based violence are absolutely vital to our organization,” said Kim Dolan, Executive Director of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. “We sincerely appreciate the commitment of local Association members, and those who generously support their fundraising efforts on behalf of the YWCA each year.”

Tom Mortlock, District Deputy Grand Master of the Masonic Association, and his family, has been actively involved in the YWCA’s fundraising events for many years.

YWCA Crossroads Shelter provides physical safety, 24 hour support, nutritious meals and personal care essentials for women in crisis.

Fundraising support from community groups like The Peterborough District Masonic Association is critical in order to bridge the gap that remains beyond government funding, ensuring that local services are available 365 days a year.

Anyone interested in learning more about corporate and community partnership opportunities is asked to please contact Ria Nicholson directly at 705-743-3526 x113 or rnicholson@ywcapeterborough.org.

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RBC Foundation Grants $10,000 In Support Of YWCA Crossroads Shelter & Nourish Food Programs

A $10,000 donation from RBC Foundation is helping YWCA Peterborough Haliburton address the growing need for gender-based violence supports as well as nutritious food in Peterborough and surrounding area.

“RBC Foundation’s generous donation is helping to ensure that women who experience violence continue to have a safe space to turn for refuge and support at YWCA Crossroads Shelter, while also supporting Nourish’s critical work in providing nutritious food and innovative programming to battle the chronic issue of food insecurity in the Peterborough community,” says Ria Nicholson, Major Gifts Officer with YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s.

“This year has presented our community with unparalleled challenges, specifically for our most vulnerable, so when we heard about these programs, we knew we had to help,” adds Scott Mancini, Vice-President of Commercial Banking at RBC. “The work being done by the YWCA and their partners is providing support where the need is greatest. We thank these organizations for making our community stronger.”

Scott Mancini, Vice-President, Kawartha Lakeshore Commercial Financial Services, Royal Bank of Canada, and Karalee Murray, Community Manager, Peterborough Lakefield, Royal Bank of Canada, present a $10,000 donation to Ria Nicholson, Major Gifts Officer, YWCA Peterborough Hailburton (Photo courtesy YWCA Peterborough Haliburton)

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Nourish has been working diligently with local agencies to get nutritious food to those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19. Home deliveries of food boxes (both free and subsidized) have fed more than 225 families on a weekly basis since April.

YWCA Crossroads Shelter has remained open and continues to provide essential resources, safety and information around the clock for women and their children in our community. They are currently able to provide shelter for up to 8 families while still allowing for proper physical distancing and other safety protocols such as deep cleaning shared spaces between uses and allowing for an area of isolation should someone become sick.

Members of the community who wish to add their support for YWCA crisis and support services are encouraged to contact the office at 705-743-3526. Those interested in learning more about corporate and community partnership opportunities are asked to contact Ria Nicholson directly at 705-743-3526 x113.

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Peterborough District Masons Donate $17,253.25 To YWCA Crossroads Shelter For Women And Children

Right Worshipful Brother Tom Mortlock, District Deputy Grand Master of Peterborough District, on behalf of the Masons of Peterborough District, presented a cheque in the amount of $17,253.25 to YWCA’s Ria Nicholson in support of the YWCA Crossroads Shelter for women and children.

“The leadership of caring men in our community who understand that responding to the impact of violence against women and their children is a responsibility we all share is especially important in these uncertain times,” says Kim Dolan, Executive Director of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton.

Right Worshipful Brother Mortlock was accompanied by Brother Danny McLaughlin, District Fundraising Project Chairman (left) and Worshipful Brother Philip Lake, Peterborough District Secretary (right).

Mortlock, together with his family and the MortWalk Construction Team, have been actively involved in the YWCA’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraising event for many years, believing that support services for women and children fleeing abusive relationships are very much needed in our community.

“The essential service provided by the caring YWCA Family is a resource that the Masons of Peterborough District were very proud to support this year,” says Mortlock.

Members of the community who wish to add their support for YWCA crisis and support services are encouraged to visit the website or contact the office at 705-743-3526. 

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YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Announces End Of Walk A Mile In Her Shoes After 11 Year Run

After an 11 year run, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton has reached the decision to end Walk a Mile in Her Shoes in Peterborough.  

"We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to all past participants, sponsors and volunteers whose shared compassion has resulted in more than $950,000 in critical funding for ​women who experience violence," says YWCA's Ria Nicholson.

Since 2009, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes has helped raise community awareness about the prevalence of violence against women and the ongoing need for YWCA Crossroads Shelter and support services in Peterborough.

File photo

YWCA remains committed to securing funds that will ensure the continuation of essential crisis and support services for women who experience violence, both during and after the COVID-19 crisis. 

"Unfortunately, the effects of physical distancing are complex and will be long-lasting—particularly for women we serve," says Kim Dolan, Executive Director of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. "While physical distancing is essential in reducing exposure to COVID-19, isolation and uncertainty are creating additional barriers and risks for women who are now trapped and have fewer opportunities to get help. We anticipate dramatic increases in the need for shelter, safety planning and crisis support over the coming months." ​

To learn more about YWCA Peterborough Haliburton services for women and children, click here, call 705-743-3526 or email info@ywcapeterborough.org. 

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Local Realtor Linz Hunt Trekked The Sahara Desert In Support Of YWCA Crossroads Shelter

Peterborough Realtor Linz Hunt met with respresentatives at YWCA Peterborough Haliburton recently to present a cheque for $17,820 in support of YWCA Crossroads Shelter.

Hunt’s generous gift in support of women and children fleeing abuse was raised through an incredible 5 day, 100 kilometre trek through the Sahara Desert late last year. She was among 120 real estate agents who participated in the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation Sahara Desert Challenge for Shelter.

Photo of Linz Hunt in Sahara Desert

“As a Realtor, my job is to sell people homes and I can't imagine associating a home with fear and danger,” says Hunt.

“I chose to contribute more intentionally to the YWCA by taking part in the Sahara Trek because of the people I know and love who have experienced gender-based violence.”

“Every day throughout the trek, we read letters from women and children who had escaped their abusers thanks to the shelters we were supporting,” adds Hunt.

“These letters were heartbreaking but they reaffirmed that our journey was nothing in comparison to what these families have gone through. I truly had the experience of a lifetime supporting such an important cause.”

To learn more about the YWCA Peterborough and how you can get involved, click here.

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Women's Business Network Raises $20,000 For YWCA Crossroads Shelter's Nutritional Well-being Program

The Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) has announced a $20,064.84 donation to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, thanks to the outstanding success of the 2017 WBN Holiday Gala held in December. 

For more than 30 years, The Women’s Business Network has committed to supporting The YWCA Crossroads Shelter—an essential community resource for women and children fleeing violence, through their annual fundraising event.

Photo courtesy WBN

The donation made will support the YWCA Crossroads Shelter's Nutritional Well-Being program to support local women and children in crisis.

"We feel it’s vital to support and give back to our community, especially to the women and children who utilize Crossroads Shelter and its Nutritional Well-being program," says Lori McKee, WBN's Program Director.

"I got to witness first-hand the high energy and generous contributions handed out by members, donors and volunteers from the day we started planning right up to the night of the Gala," adds McKee. "To our members, guests, donors and volunteers, thank you for all your donations, hard work and support so we could reach our fundraising goal."

Photo from YWCA website

Jen Cureton, YWCA director of philanthropy and communications, had this to say about the donation: “At the YWCA, we invest in both safety and nourishment to help women and children feel welcome and protected. The Women’s Business Network has been a vital partner in helping women and children escape violence and build new lives. We’re so grateful to work with WBN each year through their Holiday Gala to drive our vision to see all women and children thriving.”

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Community Makes 3,007 Safe Nights At YWCA Crossroads Shelter Possible For Women & Children Fleeing Abuse

Community support of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s 9th Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes surpassed the "3,000 Safe Nights Challenge" presented by Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre.
 
A grand total of 3,007 Safe Nights ($138,204.12) have been made possible through YWCA Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, which took place at Confederation Park on Friday, May 26th.

Donations raised through this year’s event will be invested directly in providing Safe Nights at Crossroads Shelter for women and children fleeing abuse.
 
“The demand for our services increases each year,” says YWCA Executive Director, Lynn Zimmer, “This year at Crossroads Shelter we provided 8,471 Safe Nights. With the 3,007 Safe Nights provided through Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, we are well on our way to raising the $45.96 required for each Safe Night we provide.”
 
With more than 420 people of all ages, genders and abilities in attendance, this year’s Walk A Mile was the biggest yet.
 
To learn more about YWCA programs and services that help women escape abuse and rebuild their lives, or to make a donation in support of the YWCA, click here.

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Women’s Business Network Of Peterborough Donates $21,000 To YWCA Crossroads Shelter

The Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) has announced a $21,019.75 donation to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, thanks to the outstanding success of the 2016 WBN Holiday Gala held in December.
 
Each year, the Gala raises funds in support of the YWCA Crossroads Shelter, an essential community resource for women and children fleeing violence. The WBN raised its fundraising goal to $20,000 in 2016 in response to the urgent need for support during the busiest on record for the YWCA.

Left to right: Lynn Zimmer, Executive Director of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton; WBN Program Directors, Sana Virji and Louise Racine; and Nicole Pare, YWCA Special Events Coordinator.

The WBN revealed the final donation amount on Wednesday night (January 11th) at its January member’s meeting at the Peterborough Holiday Inn, where WBN Program Directors, Louise Racine and Sana Virji, presented the cheque to Lynn Zimmer, Executive Director of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, and Nicole Pare, YWCA Special Events Coordinator.

YWCA's NUTRITIONAL WELL-BEING PROGRAM IS VITAL

The funds raised at the Gala will support the YWCA’s Nutritional Well-Being program at Crossroads Shelter, which provides healthy food, supplements and vitamins to women and their children 365 days a year, at a cost of $10.88 per person, per day. The program also helps families learn about meal planning, food preparation and principles of nutrition.
 
“The kitchen is the heart of the Crossroads Shelter,” says YWCA's Lynn Zimmer. “It’s where women prepare breakfast and lunches for themselves and their children, where informal cooking lessons can happen any day, where kids can learn to cook and women can share stories and conversation over a snack or a cup of coffee or tea. And our Nutritional Well-Being staff weave counselling into the mix along with the recipe ingredients.”

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