Thursday, December 10, 2015

Diamond auction fights domestic abuse


If you're still looking for that perfect holiday gift, now is your chance to buy some stunning diamond jewellery while supporting the Kelowna Women's Shelter.

Premier Jewellery and Loans and KelownaNow are hosting a diamond auction this month with 100% of the proceeds going to the shelter. Up for grabs is a pair of 1.4 carat, white gold diamond earrings appraised at $8600.

"Within our work and personal lives, we've met women trapped in the chains of physical, emotional or financial abuse," said Martin Strasser of Premier Jewellery and Loans.

"Our pawn lending and jewellery buying service has helped many women, but we wanted to tackle this issue on a larger scale. The shelter is a good fit because it addresses many needs at once."

The generous community support will greatly benefit the shelter. Money raised will help provide food, clothing, counselling support and preventive education for women and their children who have experienced abuse.

The auction closes at noon on Monday, December 21st. You are welcome to visit Premier Jewellery and Loans to look at the earrings before bidding-- the store is located at #4-1980 Bredin Rd. in Kelowna.

So join the fight against domestic abuse and find a beautiful present in the process (even if you keep it for yourself!).

Click here to place a bid.

Thursday, December 03, 2015

Busy Christmas season!

The hectic Christmas season is in full swing here at the shelter and we couldn't be happier! We've got lots going on in the next couple of weeks to help bring holiday cheer to some wonderful women and kids. 

On Monday, Dec. 7th we'll be wrapping hundreds of presents for the roughly 120 kids who have come through the shelter with their moms this past year. Thank you so much to Royal LePage Kelowna for your incredible generosity-- the kids will be so excited to get their gifts!

On Wednesday, Dec. 9th we'll host a fun (and rowdy!) Christmas party for the children and their mothers. There will be face-painting, cookie-decorating, crafts, pizza and a special appearance from Santa Claus.

Then the following Wednesday, Dec. 16th, it's a ladies-only Christmas party for 40 of the women who used the shelter's services this year. There will be dinner, prizes and karaoke. Thank you to the sponsor of that event, the Kelowna Sunrise Rotary Club.

Christmas can be a very difficult time for women who have escaped violence and, in many cases, left their homes. Community support is so important as we try to give these families a nice holiday season and help them get back on their feet.

Thank you for your time and your generosity.



Thursday, November 26, 2015

End violence against women: 16 Days of Activism

This November and December, the UNiTE campaign is calling on people everywhere to 'Orange the World' for the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence. 
Nov. 25th was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women; Dec. 10 is Human Rights Day. For every day in between, the United Nations wants to emphasize the importance of individual and community activism to end violence with 16 Days of Activism.
There are activities and events taking place in over 70 countries around the world, from flash mobs to bike races, street marches to art exhibits and everything in between. We will post daily about activities, campaigns and inspiration on our Facebook page-- click here for more information.
One in three women worldwide have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence. During this 16 Days of Activism let's 'Orange the World' to raise awareness and inspire action. 

Women and Wine a huge success!

The 12th annual Women and Wine Open House was bigger and better than ever this year. Check out the picture below-- it was like that all day!



The event at Cedar Creek Estate Winery on Sunday, Nov. 22 was so packed that cars were parked up and down Lakeshore Road. The three buildings offered a selection of amazing local vendors, tasty treats and delicious wine.


The open house raised nearly $4000 and we returned with a van full of donations. Thank you to everyone who gave clothes, food and gift cards. We had a blast celebrating the season with you and appreciate the incredible support for the Kelowna Women's Shelter.

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Women and Wine Open House

We have exciting news from our friends at Cedar Creek Estate Winery-- they've chosen us to be their charity of choice again at this year's Women and Wine Open House!

The 12th anniversary of the ladies-only event takes place Sunday, November 22 from 1-4 p.m.

Participants will get to enjoy complimentary wine tastings, delicious treats as well as artisan booths featuring local crafts and a raffle. You don't want to miss this!

You'll also receive 15% off wine on purchases of two bottles or more.

Admission is by donation to the Kelowna Women's Shelter.

Cedar Creek Estate Winery is located at 5445 Lakeshore Rd. For more information, call: 778-738-1027.

Thanks so much again, Cedar Creek. We can't wait to come enjoy a glass of wine with you!

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Support the shelter at the Red Barn Artisan Market

Start your Christmas shopping early this weekend and support the Kelowna Women's Shelter at the Red Barn Artisan Market!

The holiday sale takes place this Saturday, November 7th from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. The market will be located at Okanagan Mission Hall at 4409 Lakeshore Road in Kelowna.


The free sale will showcase some of the region's best artisans and local crafts. There will also be a number of local non-profits providing information and kids' crafts.

The Kelowna Women's Shelter will have an awareness table, along with a free raffle and donation bin. We will also be giving out kids' activity books.

Visit the event's Facebook page here for more information. We're grateful for your continued support.

National Philanthropy Day Luncheon

We are getting ready to thank some of our most generous supporters at Kelowna's first annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon. 

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Okanagan Chapter is hosting the lunch at the Harvest Golf Club on Friday, Nov. 13. Tickets are $35 per person or $350 for a table of eight. 

The Kelowna Women's Shelter is looking forward to thanking a number of groups and individuals for their wonderful contributions to the shelter over the last several years.

Philanthropy is "the love of humankind," and National Philanthropy Day-- Nov. 15-- is the day that thousands of people around the world come together to put the word into  action and recognize the change that philanthropy has brought to our communities. In 2012, Canada officially recognized National Philanthropy Day permanently, setting a new model for countries around the globe.

The awards luncheon will honour and acknowledge outstanding achievements by individuals, foundations, corporations, fundraising volunteers and non-profit organizations who contribute their time, talents, financial support and other resources to our community.

Thank you in advance to all of our amazing supporters-- see you there!

Thursday, September 24, 2015

2nd annual United Way bus pull

Twelve teams competed on Thursday, pulling city buses along Kelowna's Bernard Avenue as part of the annual Pulling for My Community event for the United Way.

The second annual bus pull raised more than $13, 775 for the United Way's 2015 campaign.

Pictured is Kathleen Lemieux, resource development coordinator for the Kelowna Women's Shelter, along with Duane English and Wesla Wong of Global Okanagan, and Christy Webb from Sun Life Financial. 

The Kelowna Women's Shelter is a community partner and receives funding from the United Way. 

We are grateful to all who donated- thank you for your continued support!

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Donate to the shelter at Shopper's Drug Mart

The Kelowna Women's Shelter is once again partnering with Shopper's Drug Mart to raise funds in support of women's health through the annual Growing Women's Health (formerly Tree of Life) campaign.

From September 12 through October 9, donations made at seven Shopper's Drug Mart locations in Kelowna will go directly to the shelter. Last year's campaign raised nearly $27,000, including $9,500 from a single store in Rutland.

The Growing Women's Health campaign provides much-needed funding for 490 women's health charities and organizations across Canada. Make a difference and support women's health with donations of $1, $5, $10 or $50. 

The campaign kicked off this week and continues for three more weeks -- so now's the time to go to your local Shopper's, buy that item you've been thinking of and help a local woman in need. 

On behalf of the Kelowna Women's Shelter and all of the women you are supporting, thank you!

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Beer & Burger Night for the Kelowna Women's Shelter

If you enjoy burgers and beer, we've got just the event for you this month.

On Thursday, Sept. 24 join us for Beer & Burger Night at Rose's Pub in support of the Kelowna Women's Shelter. Tickets are $20 and include your choice of a beef, chicken or veggie burger and a pint of beer or glass of wine.

The event is hosted by Shopper's Drug Mart #2217 at Plaza 33 and all proceeds to go the shelter. The dinner runs from 6-9 p.m. at Rose's Pub at 1352 Water Street.

Call Kathleen Lemieux for tickets at 778-478-7774. Tickets are also available at the door.




Volunteer at the Kelowna Women's Shelter

Are you looking for a fulfilling volunteer opportunity? Come out to the Okanagan Volunteer Opportunities Fair on Sept. 19 for details on how to help out at the Kelowna Women's Shelter.

We're always looking for dedicated people to support the work we do at the shelter. Right now we have more than 300 volunteers doing everything from childcare and house-cleaning, to administrative work, social media and special events. We couldn't do what we do without the amazing work of our volunteers.

The upcoming fair will showcase dozens of local non-profit organizations who are currently looking for volunteers. Come swing by and say hello at our Kelowna Women's Shelter booth!

The Okanagan Volunteer Opportunities Fair takes place Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Parkinson Recreation Centre. The free event runs from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. and is open to the public.

Looking forward to seeing you there. Maybe we'll work together soon!

Thursday, September 03, 2015

Gender equality activist/ author hosts Kelowna talks

An internationally-renowned American educator, author, filmmaker and cultural theorist is coming to Kelowna for three speaking events on gender violence this fall.

Dr. Jackson Katz co-founded the Mentors in Violence Prevention program at Northeastern University's Center for the Study of Sport in Society. He is widely recognized as one of America's leading anti-sexist male activists.

Dr. Katz will discuss how everyone can play a role in preventing and interrupting various forms of harassment and abuse. Here are details about the upcoming lectures:

OCT. 7 -- Evening Talk at Okanagan College: Gender on the Agenda- the Socialization of Girls and Boys in a Culture of Violence
7-9 p.m. at Okanagan College Theatre
Tickets $20, $15 for students.

OCT. 8 -- Leadership Breakfast: Violence and Silence Community Leadership Breakfast
7:30-10 a.m. at the Coast Capri Hotel
Tickets $35

OCT. 8 -- Student Presentation: Blurred Lines: Violence in Media and Real Life
Free for schools
Presented by the Kelowna Women's Shelter "Inside/ Out Violence Prevention for Youth" program

You're also invited to the premiere of "The Mask You Live In" on Sept. 30. The film explores how America's narrow definition of masculinity is harming boys, men and society at large.

For more information about any of the events or to purchase tickets, call 250-763-4613.


Ladies 2-ball in support of the shelter

Want to enjoy the last few days of our Okanagan summer? Come out for a ladies 2-ball golf tournament in support of the Kelowna Women's Shelter!

The morning tournament takes place at Two Eagles Golf Course in West Kelowna on Tuesday, Sept. 15. Golf starts at 9 a.m. with a lunch following your game.

Tickets are $160 per team or $80 per player. Entry fee includes 18 holes of golf, a power cart, range balls, lunch and fabulous prizes. 

What is 2-ball, you ask? It's a match played between two pairs, with each member of the pair taking alternate shots. 

For more information or to register, call 250-768-0080. You can also email kims@twoeaglesgolf.com.


Thursday, August 27, 2015

1st Annual Flaman Fitness & Kelowna Women's Shelter Golf Tournament

Attention golfers, we have another fun tournament coming up in support of the shelter!

Please join us for the First Annual Flaman Fitness & Kelowna Women's Shelter Golf Tournament on Friday Sept. 11. In addition to golf, you will enjoy a delicious gourmet dinner, prizes and a charity auction. The tournament at the beautiful Two Eagles Golf Course in West Kelowna also includes post-game spa services, live music and cocktails.

Tickets for golf and dinner are $80. There are nine "hole sponsorships" available at $500 per hole.

For more information or to register, please contact Richard or Susan Templin at 250-462-0099 or r.s.templin@shaw.ca.

Thank you so much for your support. See you on the course!

Thursday, July 09, 2015

Support the shelter at Diva Day

We're excited for another upcoming summer event: Diva Day at House of Rose Winery!

On Aug. 23 from 1-4 p.m. join us at Kelowna's House of Rose Winery for a special afternoon just for women. This is the perfect event for ladies who love wine, treats and surprises. Bring your mothers, sisters and girlfriends and have a fun day while supporting a good cause.

This event is a fundraiser for the Kelowna Women's Shelter, so please bring a donation.

See you there!

Join us at the Downtown Kelowna Block Party

Mark your calendars for one of the biggest outdoor parties of the year!

On Aug. 8, Bernard Avenue will be closed to traffic from Richter St. to Abbott St. for the Downtown Kelowna Block Party-- there will be live music, delicious food, great shopping and a Kelowna Women's Shelter awareness booth. And the best part? It's all FREE!

Come by and say hello, meet our mascot Daisy and enter your name in a free raffle. We'll be downtown from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

It's sure to be a fun day for the whole family. Can't wait to see you at this great community event.

#DKBlockParty #DowntownKelowna


TheAvenue will be closed to traffic from Richter St. to Abbott St. and lined with over 140 vendors offering great deals, yummy treats, children’s activities, dancing, music and lots more for the whole gang

Bernard Avenue will be closed to traffic from Richter St. to Abbott St. and lined with over 140 vendors offering great deals, yummy treats, children’s activities, dancing, music and lots more for the whole gang

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Party in Pink- what a night!

Nearly a week has passed since our fabulous Party In Pink gala last Friday and wow, we are still talking about all of your fantastic support!

We  raised an incredible $17,000 for local women in need. Thank you so much to everyone who came out to support the shelter.

The event was completely sold out, there was a great energy in Sandhill Winery throughout the night and it seemed that everyone had fun-- and wore pink! Even Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran showed up in pink jeans for the occasion.

We  are still in awe of your wonderful support. On behalf of all of us at the Kelowna Women's Shelter, thank you again for your generosity. 

Thursday, June 04, 2015

A great night ahead at Party In Pink

We’re only a week away from our much-anticipated Party in Pink fundraiser and we can’t wait! 

With some generous support from the community, we’ve arranged a night filled with fun, food, entertainment and lots of PRIZES. We’re looking forward to seeing all of you lucky ticket-holders on June 12th at Sandhill Winery. 

There are many things included with your ticket, but don’t forget about the auction and raffle as well—you don’t want to miss out on nearly $20,000 in prizes. There will be silent and live auctions, a balloon raffle with a $1000 jewelry giveaway, a ticket draw with multiple $50 items and of course lots of red and white wine by the glass. VISA, Mastercard, cash and cheques all accepted on site. 

Can’t wait to see you there! Let’s Party in Pink!

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Amazing auction items for Party in Pink!

We have some great news about our upcoming Party in Pink fundraiser-- the event is completely sold out AND we have a growing list of high-end auction items up for grabs.

We're so grateful to all of the people who bought tickets to support the shelter.

If you're one of them, check out the list of silent and live auction items you can bid on during the fundraiser at Sandhill Winery on June 12:

-$5,000 diamond ring donated by International Gems
-$2,000 family portrait on canvas by Kim Elsasser MPA
-$1,800 3 year vehicle maintenance package from Kelowna Hyundai
-$1,500 toward a pampering getaway in a luxurious jacuzzi suite at A Vista Villa
-$1,000 custom granite counter top (60") by Absolut Granite
-$1,000 blue & white diamond pendant by International Gems
-$600 two hour houseboat cruise for up to 50 people
-$419 Maui Jim Sunglasses from Tutt Street Optometry
-$355 comprehensive health evaluation by Aligned Chiropractic
-$310 gift basket from Laura Landry of Mary Kay Cosmetics
-$300 certificate to Health Polak Permanent Make-up & Lash Studio
-$300 certificate for two VIP wine tours from Heart & Sol Tours
-$263 high back office task chair from Staples
-$250 certificate toward dinner for 8 from European Catering
-$110 necklace, soap & body wash from Art Knapp Plantland
-$100 fresh floral arrangement from Mom & Me Creations
-$100 hair cut, shampoo & style from Ian Jackson at Adventures in Hair

And that's just a preview-- there are more on the way! Look for more donations from The Wedding Cafe, Costco, Total E'Clips Salon & Spa, White's Barbecue & Fireplace Centre, and many more.

Thank you again to our generous sponsors and to everyone who bought tickets. We're excited to celebrate with you (and raise some money for a great cause) at the Party in Pink on June 12th!

Thursday, May 07, 2015

Not too late to buy flowers!

There is still time left to show your love for mom and your support for the Kelowna Women's Shelter with our upcoming Mother's Day flower sale.
You can buy a beautiful bouquet or hanging basket for only $29 by visiting our website: www.kelownawomensshelter.com.
Buy online until Friday May 8 then pick up your flowers (or buy more) on Saturday May 9 at Save-On-Foods at Orchard Plaza.
We'll have a table set up from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. with lots of varieties of flowers on display.
The baskets are already starting to arrive at our shelter and they're gorgeous!
This is just one of the many beautiful baskets you can choose from.
Moms, grandmas and any special woman in your life will love the thoughtful recognition.
Thank you for your support!

Need help? Check out our outreach services

If you or a loved one is dealing with family violence or abuse, the Kelowna Women's Shelter has a variety of outreach services available to help.
Our outreach services are flexible and designed to respond to each individual woman's needs and situation.
Some of the services include safety planning, information and referrals, advocacy and accompaniment, drop-in support groups, personal development and skill-building programs.
Don't hesitate to contact the shelter if you have any questions or concerns.
We are here to help!
For more information, day or night, visit www.kelownawomensshelter.com or call 250-763-1040. 


Thursday, April 30, 2015

Mother's Day flower sale

Help support the Kelowna Women's Shelter this Mother's Day and show your love for the women in your life with some beautiful flowers!
You can pre-order a bouquet or hanging basket for only $29 by visiting our website: www.kelownawomensshelter.com.
We've extended our pre-order period, you can now buy online until May 8.
Pick up your flowers (or buy some more!) May 9, 2015 at Save-On-Foods at Orchard Plaza.
We'll have a table set up in the parking lot from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Come say hello and join us for a BBQ lunch.
Moms, grandmas, sisters and friends will all love the gorgeous greenery and the recognition.
And we love the support-- thank you so much!

Women and their pets can leave abusive situations

A heart-breaking story in Saanich, B.C. is a reminder to all women that services are available to help both you and your pets.
The family of a woman found dead inside the Saanich home last week said a coroner's report confirmed Julie Khurana was killed by her husband.
The family said Khurana suffered serious domestic abuse over the course of her relationship with her husband, but didn't want to leave their two dogs behind and feared she didn't have enough money to support herself.
Too many women don't leave abusive relationships because they don't want to leave their pets.
The Kelowna Women's Shelter is grateful to Angel's Animal Rescue in Merritt, B.C. who have offered to take care of our client's pets when they come to the shelter.
It is an important partnership that can offer women peace of mind about their animals while allowing them to seek a safe space.
Angel's Animal Rescue is currently looking for more foster homes for pets in need.
If you need to contact Angel's Animal Rescue, please call: Judanna at 250-315-5276 or Natalie at 250-801-0832.
You can visit their website here: www.angelsanimalrescue.ca.

The Kelowna Women’s Shelter is a non-profit organization that offers emergency transitional housing, counseling, support and education to women and their children who have experienced abuse. For more information, or to make a donation, visit kelownawomensshelter.ca or call 250-763-1040.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Southern Insurance donates money and clothes

Southern Insurance dropped by the Kelowna Women's Shelter this week with a generous $1000 donation, a truckload of great clothes and some yoga passes from Karma Yoga. Southern Insurance staff members all contributed cash, clothes or their time volunteering. Kim Warawa and Tanya made the presentation, Kim also arranged to have a crew come in and paint a new counselling area. Thank you all!

Orchard Park presents donation


The Kelowna Women's Shelter is grateful to the generous staff and customers at Orchard Park Shopping Centre for a generous donation of $1500. Vikki Webster and Tanya Cormier, representatives of Orchard Park, recently presented the shelter with a cheque. The funds were raised during the mall's "Style Inspirers" campaign. Customers had a chance to win a $1000 shopping spree. How fun is that?! Thank you so much, Orchard Park, and thank you to all of the customers who donated!

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Former domestic abuse victim shares story of healing and hope

April 12-18, 2015 is Prevention of Violence Against Women Week. As part of its efforts to focus attention on the ongoing issue of family violence, and galvanize the community to take action to help prevent it, the Kelowna Women’s Shelter submitted this article.

Hairstylist Colleen Woelders arrived in Kelowna on a bus from Vancouver Island 15 years ago, with a dislocated and broken shoulder and her eight-month-old son in her arms. She was exhausted and terrified, having finally gathered the courage to leave her partner after another violent attack.

“He used to take the steel toed boots to me, and he had kicked me several times in the past. This time I decided I had enough and reached out for help,” she says.

A counsellor from the Kelowna Women’s Shelter picked her and her infant son up at the bus station, and brought them back to the Shelter, where Colleen could finally get some rest.

“I had been awake all night. Just the feeling of being in a safe place with my son, where I could get some sleep and start to gather my strength gave me such a sense of relief that I could breathe and finally start to heal.”

In the coming weeks, Colleen cried a lot of tears, attended countless individual and group counselling sessions, and started to realize she didn't have to protect her abuser anymore.

“I was so brainwashed, fearful, tired and beaten down,” she says now. “The counsellors at the Shelter were so amazing, and it was powerful to go from being so controlled and dependent on him to becoming a stronger and more independent woman.”

One day during her stay at the Shelter, Colleen saw an employment posting for a hairdresser, and bravely walked in and applied for the job.

Fifteen years later, Colleen owns and operates Kelowna Hair Design, and gives back by training high school students, offering special needs employment opportunities, and providing free services to Kelowna Women’s Shelter clients.



“I know what it feels like to be in that situation. I will always have my chair open for that emergency colour for the girl that’s running and hiding. I will step up and help her change her appearance and do what I can to keep her safe and feeling good about herself.”

Of her time at the Shelter Colleen calls it “lifesaving” and says if she can help one woman make the decision to leave an abusive relationship by speaking out about her experience it is worth it.

“I want women who are in this situation to know if they can face their fears and gather the courage to reach out for help, there is a better, brighter, happier future ahead, and life can be wonderful.”


The Kelowna Women’s Shelter is a non-profit organization that offers emergency transitional housing, counseling, support and education to women and their children who have experienced abuse. For more information, or to make a donation, visit kelownawomensshelter.ca or call 250-763-1040.

Kelowna Women’s Shelter marks 35 years of changing lives

April 12-18, 2015 is Prevention of Violence Against Women Week. As part of its efforts to focus attention on the ongoing issue of family violence, and galvanize the community to take action to help prevent it, the Kelowna Women’s Shelter submitted this article.

2015 marks the 35th anniversary of the Kelowna Women’s Shelter. Since it opened its doors in 1980, the Shelter has helped thousands of women and children who have experienced domestic violence and abuse get a fresh start with emergency housing, and a range of other free and confidential services. Here are some historical highlights:

1980- Kelowna Women’s Shelter opens doors. Shelter services include housing, crisis intervention and support counselling, education, and information on violence against women. 

1987-Weekly drop-in support group launches

1990-Supportive counselling and activity program for children, which later becomes Children Who Witness Abuse (CWWA) and later the SuperNOVA program, launches.

1998-Inside/Out Violence Prevention Program for Youth launches as pilot project at two secondary schools. The program now reaches about 400 children a year.

2003-Kelowna Women’s Shelter Thrift Store opens.

2008-Shelter purchases and renovates adjacent residential property to establish second stage housing facility for up to four, single women.

2011-“Tree of Hope” funds therapeutic trauma counselling program.

2013 – Kelowna Women’s Shelter Thrift Store celebrates 10 year anniversary and relocates to Industrial Avenue from downtown.

2013-2014 – More than 290 community volunteers give in excess of 12,000 hours of their time at the Shelter and Thrift Store.

2015 – Kelowna Women’s Shelter celebrates 35 years of changing lives


The Kelowna Women’s Shelter is a non-profit organization that offers emergency transitional housing, counseling, support and education to women and their children who have experienced abuse. For more information, or to make a donation, visit kelownawomensshelter.ca or call 250-763-1040.

Violence: a very real part of life for too many local women and children

April 12-18, 2015 is Prevention of Violence Against Women Week. As part of its efforts to focus attention on the ongoing issue of family violence, and galvanize the community to take action to help prevent it, the Kelowna Women’s Shelter submitted this article.

Imagine racing out of your home in the middle of the night with your little ones in your arms. Fearfully fleeing the partner who was supposed to love, respect and cherish you, but has instead abused and hurt you and your children time and time again.
You have nothing but the clothes on your back and the hard-won courage it took to finally leave a toxic relationship that has left you beaten down, questioning yourself, and feeling alone and ashamed.

For many women in our community, this scenario is an all too common reality. For those with limited options, the Kelowna Women’s Shelter offers safe haven; providing housing, food, clothing, information, and the counselling and support they need, all at no charge.
The Shelter has a long history in the community. Its team of dedicated, highly-trained staff have helped thousands of women and children get a fresh start and move towards a future free of abuse since the Shelter opened its doors in 1980.
But thirty-five years later, the problem of violence against women shows no signs of going away.

On average, every six days a woman in Canada is killed by her intimate partner. Between 2004 and 2014, domestic violence claimed the lives of 113 women in British Columbia, an average of 10 women a year.

Violence and abuse drive more than 100,000 women and children out of their homes and into Canadian shelters every year. Last year more than 200 of them spent at least one night in the Kelowna Women’s Shelter.
They are our neighbours, our friends, our co-workers. Members of this community who attend school, shop for groceries, attend church, and go to work. If you or someone you know needs help, a safe place to stay or even just someone to talk to, contact the Shelter at 250-763-1040.

All services are confidential, and counselling staff are available 24-hours-a-day to do everything from providing a friendly ear to creating a detailed safety plan. Because abuse is never okay, but asking for help is!