International Women's Day

March 8 is International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is #FeministRecovery. Recognized globally, this day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political contributions of women and girls everywhere. We recognize the women who inspire us and renew discussion about the importance of gender equality in Canada and around the world. COVID-19 has identified fundamental gaps in our society and disproportionately impacted those who were already marginalized, vulnerable or struggling. On every front, the pandemic has eroded hard-fought gains to gender equality. From layoffs to lack of child care to the rise of domestic violence, women have been most deeply impacted by the health and economic crisis.   There are many ways to get involved. Learn more here. Use the hashtags #FeministRecovery and #IWD2021 and keep an eye out on our social media pages for events and more.

Program Updates

A Day of Self-Care On February 14, more than 50 whimsical self-care gift bags, filled with chocolates and small gifts, were created and shared with residents in our VWTH Emergency Shelters and Third Stage Transitional Housing for older women.   A thoughtful meal from Red Cedar Café was also delivered to shelter residents. We are also grateful to individual donors and local businesses like Nezza Naturals for donating thoughtful self-care gift items for our residents.

Staying Connected During the Pandemic: Older Women's Safe Home Social connectivity during the pandemic is a challenge for many and for some of the women in our Third Stage Transitional Housing, COVID-19 has been a significant barrier to supports. A number of women in the residence could not access the Wi-Fi and some did not have the skills to access online counselling, groups and services – now delivered digitally. With funding support, VWTH has been able to address technical issues, provide some training and upgrade the building’s internet system, giving many women connectivity and access to VWTH programs and counselling. More recently, residents have enjoyed virtual Group Yoga and Coffee Group programs. Some women still do not have the required skills or equipment to access online supports. However, with COVID-19 safety protocols in place, residents can participate in the in-person Older Women’s Outreach Programs.

Thank You

Victoria Admiral U13 C2 Good Deeds Cup Thank you to players from the Victoria Admirals U13 C2 Good Deeds Cup team for choosing us as their Holiday charity of choice! We are so grateful! Congratulations to the team for becoming Regional Finalists in the Good Deeds Cup!

Second Harvest VWTH is registered with Second Harvest, a non-profit food rescue organization that has provided over thirteen million meals across Canada. We have been fortunate to have some of their donated products such as chicken, fish and eggs delivered to us. With these products, our overnight Shelter staff has been making ready-made meals for the residents at our Emergency Shelters, with great feedback! A big thank you to our staff and Second Harvest.

Community Support Spotlight

Willow Hair Salon Marlee Clark (pictured), owner and stylist at Victoria’s Willow Hair Salon, generously donated her time and expertise to provide free haircuts to a dozen women staying at our VWTH Emergency Shelter. This gift offered our clients revitalizing luxury and an empowering self-esteem boost. Read on below to find out more about Marlee and what she shared with us about her incredible gift to VWTH.  About Marlee Clark and Willow Hair Salon Marlee Clark has been pursuing her passion for hair in Victoria for eight years. Whether she is designing a new hairstyle for a photoshoot, getting a bride’s hair ready for their big day, or helping someone look their best for the day-to-day, Marlee’s love for what she does comes out in every brushstroke during a colour or clip of the shears during a cut. What Inspired Your Gift to VWTH? VWTH came to speak at my church (Saanich Baptist Church) and I was so moved by what they were saying that I wanted to help women and their children by giving them a new haircut. Why Does this Cause Matter to You? This cause matters to me because I believe that everyone should have a safe home environment. I am a mother, and I can't imagine how difficult and heartbreaking it would be to have abuse going on in your home. I am so proud of the women who have had the courage and strength to seek help and I love that the VWTH is helping provide a safe haven for these women. We are very grateful to Marlee and Willow Hair Salon for their time and support. On behalf of our staff and clients, thank you so much.

Upcoming

International Nowruz Day Celebrated on March 21, Nowruz marks the first day of spring and is celebrated by more than 300 million people around the world. Various cultural rituals conducted by communities in celebration of Nowruz symbolize the affirmation to live in harmony with nature and respect the natural sources of life.

Passover March 27 will mark the first day of Passover which continues until April 4. Passover is one of the most sacred and widely observed holidays in Judaism. To mark the beginning of Passover, families partake in a festive ritual known as Seder, which includes reading, sharing stories and eating together.

10th Annual Victoria Goddess Run Celebration The Goddess Run is a community of women and girls who come together to celebrate their stories, goals, and challenges. It is more than just a run, but an opportunity to connect and inspire each other throughout the year. This year, Victoria Women’s Transition House has been selected to be the charity of choice! Register for the 5K, 10K or Half Marathon as an individual or as part of a team. Bring your dog! This virtual event is a walk or a run on your course – completely COVID-safe. There are three virtual Victoria Goddess Run events and proceeds from donations at all events will go to VWTH: June 5–27: 10th Annual Victoria Goddess Run October: Harvest Moon Run December: Snowflake Run Click here to learn more and to register for the Victoria Goddess Run. A tax-deductible donation to VWTH can be added to your registration OR create a fundraising page and get friends and family involved to raise funds in support of women and children impacted by violence and abuse. Thank you for your support!

In Case You Missed It...

Here are some articles that we recently shared via social media: Mars rover landing a moment of joy for Canadian-born NASA systems engineer - Times Colonist Accused of sexual assault, RCMP officer told to get counselling after 'disturbing' email - CBC News To stop violence against Inuit women, 'we need to heal generations,' says survivor - CBC News Black leaders and artists reflect on Black History Month in 2021 - Times Colonist Medical supply company offering free hand sanitizer to organizations in CRD - Chek News Controlling behaviour should be part of criminal definition of domestic abuse, advocates argue - CBC News Trailblazing lawyer worked until she died at 101 - Times Colonist

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Victoria Women’s Transition House Society collaborates, advocates and educates to address and prevent intimate partner violence and abuse of women and children through supportive shelter, housing, counselling and other community-based services. Victoria Women's Transition House Society is a registered charity.  Our charitable registration number is: 10817 3501 RR0001.

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Territory Acknowledgment

It is with much respect to the Lkwungen and SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples of the WSÁNEĆ, Esquimalt, and Songhees Nations, on whose traditional territories the Victoria Women’s Transition House Society is located, that we make this acknowledgment with the expressed shared hope to live in communities free of intimate partner violence.