 |
"I couldn't talk about the stuff that happened at home. But after I talked about it at Camp, I felt so much better. I don't carry that around anymore."
- Child participant in VWTH's PEACE Camp program
|
As Spring Break approaches, VWTH is preparing for our Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling & Empowerment (PEACE) Camp. This program is a series of specialized counselling and recreational camps for children and youth who have witnessed domestic violence and abuse in the home
For children who have been exposed to abuse at home during their critical formative years, it is an enormous challenge to process and cope with the experience caused by this trauma. Without proper support and understanding, these children are at risk of seeing this as normalized behavior and repeating the cycle of abuse either as abusers or as victims later in life.
In response to these children's needs, VWTH provides the PEACE Camp program each year over Spring Break and in the Summer. The Camp is a unique way for children to connect with peers who have had similar past experiences, reducing their sense of isolation felt as a result of being exposed to violence and abuse. Surrounded by an understanding and supportive new peer group, the children are empowered to identify and express their feelings and participate in healthy, sometimes adventurous activities, including kayaking, rock-climbing, zip lining - all within a safe environment.
Through group counselling sessions and recreational activities, the children learn to identify and express their emotions, overcome their fears, and and make steps towards healing. They learn and try out new communication skills in a safe setting. Best of all, each child's successes are celebrated and supported by the group.
The program has a deeply positive impact on the children who participate, and is very successful in restoring the children's sense of self-esteem, belonging and overall well-being.
Our heartfelt thanks to the following organizations for funding our PEACE Camp program this year: Peninsula Co-op, Norgaard Foundation, Harbourside Rotary Victoria, CFAX Santas Anonymous and employees at Colliers International - Victoria branch.
For more information about the PEACE Camp program, call 250-592-2927.
|
VWTH is thrilled to announce an expanded partnership with
Soup Sisters Victoria. Soup Sisters will now be teaming with the C
amosun Culinary Arts program. Each monthly cooking event produces approximately 150-250 servings (or 77 liters) of delicious and nourishing soup for our Shelter and Third Stage Housing clients. The Soup Sisters refer to this gift of fresh soup as a "hug in a cup". Cooking events are located at
Camosun College, Huber Hall, 4461 Interurban Road.
Participants pay a $55 fee and enjoy a bowl of soup, tasty hors d'oeuvres, salad, bread and a glass of wine. Soup-making is guided by the expertise of a Professional Chef. The finest ingredients are always used for the soups, nourishing our clients - women, children and youth.
To register for your cooking event, please visit the Soup Sisters website or email
[email protected].
Corporate and group bookings are welcome!
Photo credit: Ivan Watson
|
|
A few Table Host spots are still available for VWTH's Donor Cultivation Breakfast.
Table Hosts secure three individuals - friends, family or colleagues - who are not VWTH donors to join us for
a delicious breakfast
and learn about
the services VWTH offers women, with or without children, fleeing domestic abuse.
Date: Thursday, March 15th
Time: 8:30 - 10:00am
Place: a convenient downtown location
There is no cost to you or your guests, other than a charitable donation! Interested? Call or email Susan Howard,
250-592-2927 ext 210 or
[email protected]
|
|
One Yoga - Karma Charity of the Month
Located at
239 Menzies Street, Suite #201, in James Bay
, One Yoga focuses on vinyasa (flow) yoga and believes that through steady practice all people - regardless of age, gender, race, or religion - can experience the oneness that is yoga.
If you're interested in signing up, contact the One Yoga Studio at 250-383-3933.
|
|
Women's Expo - March 16th & 17th, 2018
Victoria Women's Transition House will be at The Victoria Women's Expo, sharing the coat check booth with The Cridge Centre for the Family with proceeds split between the two organizations.
The Expo will feature topics related to health, family, pets, self-care and home.
For more information about the event, tickets, and to see the list of vendors, please visit the Women's Expo website
here
. Come by our booth, say hello and enter our raffle prize draw.
Pearkes Recreation Centre: 3100 Tillicum Road (Beside SilverCity Cineplex)
Saturday 10am - 5pm & Sunday 10am - 4pm
Discount tickets
on-line or $8/adult at the door (cash only).
|
|
B*TCHFEST 2018
Always a sell-out,
Saturday, April 14th is the annual
B*tchfest, a
private, women-only event where attendees can celebrate and connect with other inspiring
women in our community.
Featuring the all-female band, The Femme Fatales, as well as event special guests, the night includes dancing, door prizes, a silent auction and a clothing swap.
Women are encouraged to bring two to three pieces of clean, stylish and gently used clothing to swap or donate.
Tickets can be purchased at Red Lion Hotel (front desk), or via Deb Rhymer from 3:00-7:30pm at the Sunday Blues Jam at the V Lounge. For more information, p
lease contact Deb at
[email protected]
or 250-592-5764.
**Net proceeds go to Victoria Women's Transition House and Bridges for Women Society**
|
|
Women, Wine, Golf and Dine
Victoria Golf Club Invitational Event in Support of VWTH
SAVE THE DATE!
Thursday, June 14th
Victoria Golf Club
|
|
Join us for an all-day women's golfing event at the beautiful, scenic ocean-side Victoria Golf Club,
1110 Beach Drive, Victoria. The festivities include golf, refreshments, dinner, prizes and a silent auction. Net proceeds to VWTH Shelter, programs and services. More details TBC. To be put on the info list, contact Emily at
|
An enormous Thank You to the employees of Colliers International - Victoria branch, who donated $6,700 toward VWTH's PEACE Camp program for children who have witnessed domestic violence and abuse. We are so grateful for your generosity!!
(L-R) P
aul Cremin, General Manager, Property Operations, Vancouver Island and BC Interior;
David Wilson, Regional Director, Real Estate Management Services, Vancouver Island and BC Interior; Susan Howard, Development Director, VWTH; P
hil Sibbald, Senior Property Manager;
Marc Foucher, Senior Associate
|
Thank you to
Sara San, owner of
Lash Love Connection eyelash boutique, for donating all proceeds from her milestone birthday event to VWTH. The event featured comedy entertainment, a dance performance and 50/50 raffle. We are so grateful for the thoughtfulness and generosity of members of our community.
|
I
n case you missed it...
Here are some interesting articles that we shared recently via social media.
|
|
|
Victoria Women's Transition House Society, working collaboratively, provides shelter, support, counselling and education to women of all ages, with or without children, so that they can live free from the effects of abuse in intimate relationships. The Society strives to prevent and eliminate abuse through education, advocacy and partnerships.
|
|
Victoria Women's Transition House Society is a registered charity.
Our charitable registration
number is: 10817 3501 RR0001.
|
|
|
|
|
|
