Friday, October 28, 2016

Embracing Hope

If one good thing came out of the recent presidential race in the United States, it is that more people are expressing disagreement, and even disgust, with what a certain male candidate called “locker room talk”.

It was refreshing to see large numbers of men, many of them professional athletes, speak out against the ridiculous assertion lewd and sexist comments are the norm in locker rooms, and should therefore be seen as acceptable.

Witnessing these men stand up and be counted on behalf of women everywhere gives me hope we are at a turning point, and might have a shot at ending the culturally-embedded misogyny and inequality that allow violence against women to continue.

Yet while I nurture renewed hope for a future free of abuse, the beds at Kelowna Women’s Shelter remain full.

Every night, women and their children seek refuge here, fleeing the men who were supposed to love them, and treat them with respect and kindness.

Every night, for 36 years, we’ve welcomed victims of intimate partner violence with open arms, providing food, clothing, shelter, counselling support and a shoulder to cry on.

Twenty-four hours a day, our staff are here to wipe their tears and provide the resources and support they need to move forward into a new life.

If not for the support of this community, we could not do what we do. 

Thanks to your support through donations and volunteer time, we are able to put food on the table, keep the lights and heat on, and change lives every single day.

On behalf of the clients, staff and board of directors, “Thank you!”

Karen Mason (Karen.mason@kelownawomensshelter.ca) is executive director of Kelowna Women’s Shelter.

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Christmas donations


We are so grateful for your donations all year long, and particularly struck by the additional generosity we tend to experience at this time of year.

In order to manage the volume, and maintain confidentiality and peace of mind for our clients, we do not accept donations at the Shelter. 

Please take contributions directly to our Thrift Store at 6-368 Industrial Avenue between 10 am and 2 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

If you label donations designated specifically for the Shelter, we’ll make sure they get to their destination.

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