That’s usually our answer when asked how things are going here. There haven’t been more than a few days this year that we have had a vacant bed in our shelter.
What’s worse, is that as the days get colder and the nights get longer, the requests for space are increasing as women and their kids who are precariously housed need warmth, food and shelter to survive—basic necessities of life many of us take for granted.
Two nights last month, our board room was converted into an emergency bedroom, because we had no space available and women and their children had fled violent homes with nowhere safe to go.
This past year, our counsellors answered 4,768 calls from individuals in crisis. That’s 23% more than they did in the year prior. The demands for shelter space, support and services are greater than ever and we need your help to sustain them.
As the year draws to a close and you reflect on how things might be going for you, we hope you’ll consider how you may help us, and the families who rely on our services.
Though our shelter beds may always be full, our hearts will remain full of HOPE
for Hope
HEIDI’S WALK FOR HOPE
A beautiful day of sunshine and hope.
This year’s Heidi’s Walk for Hope event— presented by Lavender Blue Catering and Le Finis—was held on Sunday, September 24, 2023. The mandate of this annual event is to raise funds and awareness towards ending violence against women.
The event featured a 5k walk around the beautiful Island Lake Conservation Area, a vendor marketplace (hosted by The Hometown Market Orangeville), powerful words from guest speakers, and much more. It was a great day out for all.
Through the support of our event sponsors and donors and all of the amazing participants, we raised over $28,000! Although we fell short of our fundraising goal ($40,000), we are one step closer to a community free from violence. Fundraising and awareness-building events like this help us achieve our vision: A community free of abuse where all individuals are treated with compassion, equity and respect, and live their lives in healthy relationships.
WRAPPED IN COURAGE
November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month
In recognition of Woman Abuse Prevention Month, FTP is once again participating in the Wrapped in Courage campaign—an annual initiative developed and facilitated by the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses (OAITH).
The Wrapped in Courage campaign is an awareness-building initiative that encourages communities to wrap themselves in purple to show those who have experienced domestic violence they are not alone. We invite individuals and businesses to show their support of this campaign by wearing a purple scarf throughout the month of November in solidarity against domestic violence.
A variety of purple scarf styles are available for purchase. Two new scarves were released this year (see photos above). Each is a handmade, unique artisan product made from Merino wool—no two scarves are the same.
FTP is also coordinating flag-raising ceremonies (see inset to the right) and proclamations with local municipalities and will be sharing information about the Wrapped in Courage campaign throughout the month.
For more information about this campaign or how to purchase a purple scarf, please scan the following QR code or visit our website.
November 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The following flag-raising ceremonies will be held in recognition of this global campaign:
Monday, November 20
Town of Shelburne
203 Main St E
3 p.m.
Tuesday, November 21
Town of Caledon
6311 Old Church Rd
2 p.m.
Thursday, November 23
Town of Orangeville
87 Broadway 9:30 a.m.
Proclamations will also be read by other municipalities located in Dufferin County. Scan the QR code (left) for more details.
Photo credit: J.A.W. Photography
NEW BUILD UPDATE
In the spring, we were proud to share our vision for a three-storey 22-unit apartment building that would provide safe, supportive and truly affordable housing for the women and children that we support, right here on our existing Orangeville office site. We had applied for a Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) grant, which would have seen a $12-million federal investment made into our community.
Despite having a strong and shovel-ready project, the demand across the country was simply too great and we were not a successful recipient. There were over 750 applicants across Canada, and 235 projects of varying scope were funded successfully.
While this application was never about us, rather the women and children who desperately need safe and affordable housing in this community, we find a sliver of comfort in knowing that some of the most vulnerable citizens in Canada will soon be safely housed thanks to this grant. Though we can’t say this about our catchment area just yet, where the housing crisis endures, we will continue to update you as we look ahead with optimism to funding this build through alternative opportunities and campaigns.
Please contact Brennan Solecky at 519-942-4122, ext. 240 or brennan@familytransitionplace.ca for more information.
2024 International Women’s Day Celebration SAVE THE DATE!
We heard you. After announcing that we were changing the format of this event at our 2023 luncheon, the overwhelming feedback was to keep things as they were. So, for the most part, we are. This event is incredibly popular, which means so much to us and encourages us to get even more people involved. It is for that reason that it will be moving to a different venue...we want to invite even more people to the party! And, we have something very special lined up for our 2024 event...
Join us on Friday, March 8th for an intimate afternoon celebrating International Women’s Day with special guest, Serena Ryder!
March 8, 2024 | Hockley Valley Resort Early bird tickets available January 2, 2024
Stay up-to-date by visiting our website: www.familytransitionplace.ca
I would like to help Family Transition Place and make an impact on the lives of the people they support.
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Or, donate directly through our website: familytransitionplace.ca
DECEMBER 6TH VIGIL
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence
Against Women
On December 6, 1989, 14 young women were horrifically killed at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal. They died because the man who killed them hated women.
Please join us for an in-person, outdoor vigil at our Orangeville office on Wednesday, December 6th as we take a moment to remember and acknowledge all of the women we have lost to gender-based violence. Attendees will be invited to speak about the actions we can make as a community to end violence against women.
This will be an outdoor event—please dress accordingly Hot beverages will be available
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR WAYS TO HELP?
It is a challenging time, for everyone. The cost of living is expensive and it doesn’t look like things are going to get easier any time soon. Our supply of day-to-day client needs is running lower than it has in years. Any help you are able to provide is sincerely appreciated. Please scan the QR code or visit familytransitionplace.ca/give to find out all of the ways you can support us now and throughout the year.
If you have any questions about making a donation this holiday season, please call Ashlynne at 519-942-4122, ext. 247.
