It’s often very meaningful for Shelter residents to have a special celebration meal at the Shelter during their stay. On September 22 – the first day of fall – VWTH staff organized a Harvest Dinner in celebration of the Autumn Equinox. It was an opportunity to come together, build community and to give Shelter residents, staff and volunteers a way to celebrate the changing seasons and reflect on their hopes for the fall.

Many people worked together to make the dinner possible. The House Manager put together beautiful table settings and the Children’s Team staff decorated the room. They also created a ‘Gratitude Tree’ where everyone was invited to write something that they were grateful for on a colourful, paper leaf and attach it to the shared display. Cooking the dinner was also a collective effort with dishes made by staff and our committed volunteers. For dessert there were two delicious cakes, donated by our friends at the Food Share Network as well as a cupcake decorating station that was especially popular with the kids.

Thanks to a generous donor we filled the Shelter dining room with fresh flowers! Calvin Stevenson from U Deserve Flowers provided potted plants and arrangements in vases to brighten the day for residents (and some flowers and plants were also delivered to our third stage Transitional Housing Program for older women – sharing the brightness of the occasion!). The Shelter dining room was beautifully decorated, warm and inviting, with the delicious smells of homemade chili and butternut squash soup. All the effort that the staff and volunteers made was greatly appreciated by those in attendance at the dinner. We are also so grateful to our donors who make these special occasions possible for those who are fleeing such difficult situations.

Older Women’s Program – Outdoor Adventure 

As a supporter of Victoria Women’s Transition House, you already understand the importance of our commitment to help women and children affected by intimate partner violence and abuse. You also recognize the need for donations and funding to allow us to continue this vital work.

Throughout a lifetime, most Canadians support charitable causes they believe in, in whatever way they can. Some volunteer, others offer financial support. For most it’s a combination of the two. But when it comes time to plan a Will, there can be understandable concerns. Is making a gift to a charitable organization via a Will the right choice?

“Will I be able to support my loved ones AND the causes I care about?”

“Will my family still be able to fully enjoy prosperity in the future?”

“Will my family understand my decision to leave a portion of my estate to a charity?”

The answer to all three questions can be “yes,” if your intentions are clear and your estate is planned correctly with the help of a financial advisor.

For instance, a gift in your Will to a charitable organization may actually benefit your estate by reducing or potentially even eliminating the taxes owed, resulting in the same amount of money left to your beneficiaries. Another approach is using a life insurance policy. A financial advisor will be able to answer any questions you may have about these and other planned giving options.

The Victoria Women’s Transition House is proud to be a part of the Will Power initiative, a national campaign devoted to inspiring Canadians to use their Wills as a means to support their favourite causes and charities. We encourage you to find out more, including how you can leave a gift in your Will, via our Will Power page or contact Susan Howard, Development & Communications Director at susanh@vwth.bc.ca

Hamper Program

Please note that we will be collecting donations of Gift Cards only again this year, in lieu of gift items, and will then distribute them to the women and families to use for their own Christmas shopping. To make your donation please visit our website OR email christmas@vwth.bc.ca or call 250-380-7527 ext#111

Interested in working at Victoria Women's Transition House? We are a vibrant, collaborative organization looking for exceptional people to help us grow as we work towards our mission of ending intimate partner violence Please take a look at current employment opportunities and requirements on our website.

Chanterelle writes: “I have so many words, so many emotions, so many people to thank and the most gratitude I’ve ever felt. The whole time on the trail I purely felt at home, it was beautiful weather and everything went according to plan. The trail kept us safe and the people kept us going.” Incredible community support saw donations total over $8,500. We send our sincere thanks and appreciation to Chanterelle for digging deep and sharing her experience with us. Thank you to everyone who donated to ‘Beyond the Trail’ and supported Chanterelle’s impressive fundraiser.  

Foxy Box Laser & Wax Bar have supported VWTH at both their Langford and Victoria locations recently. Staff at the Langford salon gathered items and organized a Garage Sale with all proceeds to VWTH. The Victoria salon hosted a Customer Appreciation Day with all proceeds from raffle ticket sales directed to Transition House programs and services.

Thank you to Elements Casino Victoria for their recent generous donation to the Victoria Women's Transition House! The money was raised through customer and staff donations, directed to us by the women-led management team, (l - r) Catherine, Carolyn and Rose, pictured with our Development Manager Christine. Thank you, your donation will make a difference to women and children in our community.

CIBC Wood Gundy

We were extremely grateful to receive a generous donation from the CIBC Wood Gundy Blue Heron Advisory Group. The donation was made possible through proceeds from CIBC Miracle Day, when CIBC Wood Gundy Investment Advisors and CIBC’s Capital Markets team donate their fees and commissions in support of children’s charities. This gift will support VWTH Child and Youth programs. Thank You!

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.