Sent on behalf of President Hendrik Kraay from Calgary Olympic:
The Rotary Club of Calgary Olympic is sponsoring a team in the YWCA Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser in support of their programs for women and children fleeing family violence and abuse in Calgary. On Tuesday, September 19, RCCO men will be walking down Stephen Avenue mall in high heels in support of the YWCA’s campaign. I’d like to challenge other Rotarians to join our team (men only, but in this case it’s for a good cause) or to donate to our team: http://support.ywcalgary.ca/site/TR/Events/WalkaMile?team_id=3041&pg=team&fr_id=1130.
Thanks for your support.
Sincerely,
Hendrik
- YW Calgary operates the YW Sheriff King Home emergency shelter, which offers safe,temporary housing and support for women and their children fleeing family violence and abuse in Calgary.
- In 2016, the YW Calgary supported more than 6,800 individuals, including 419 women and children who spent at least one night at YW Sheriff King Home and more than 1,800 women, children, and men with counselling and personal development programs.
- In 2016, Calgary Police Service noted a 36 per cent increase over the five year average in domestic violence calls. That’s more than 3,709 calls in one year.
- Women experience many barriers when fleeing an abusive partner, such as fear for their safety and safety of their children and pets, shame, lack of support, homelessness and financial instability.
- Family violence and abuse against women is a form of gender oppression related to culture, social political and economic factors. It affects women of all ages, races, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations and educational backgrounds.
- Family violence and abuse against women is the main pathway into homelessness for women and their children.