Donations boxes are up at SCRL branches
We all know how nice it is to cozy up in a comfy pair of pyjamas after a long day—and that’s especially true for those going through a stressful time in their lives.
That’s why Genesis House, the regional shelter for the victims of domestic violence, hosts its annual Power of PJs clothing drive each fall.
It launched last week with drop boxes at the South Central Regional Library branches in Winkler, Morden, Altona, Miami, and Manitou.
They’re hoping to bring in at least 75 pairs of women’s PJs and 75 pairs for the kids who seek save haven with the shelter. Warm socks, slippers, and other comfy clothing is also welcome.
These clothes will give the shelter’s inhabitants a welcome dose of comfort, says Ang Braun, Genesis House executive director.
“Any time you get to climb into new pyjamas and then into a nice clean bed in a safe space, who doesn’t love that, right?”
Teaming up with the library system on this campaign has been a blessing, Braun says.
“They’re so wonderful. It’s fantastic that they’re able to have these drop-off boxes for us because I know that people throughout our service area would like to donate, so this is an awesome way of being able to make it accessible to everybody.”
The clothing drive is just part of the shelter’s activities for November, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
They kicked things off with their Unmasking Domestic Violence Masquerade Gala Nov. 4, which marked Genesis House’s 40th anniversary and raised $28,000 for shelter operations.
“It was sold out,” Braun says of the evening at the new Minnewasta Golf and Country Club clubhouse. “It was such a great night.”
Those funds are integral to the shelter’s programming.
“It’s has an enormous impact … what we do is essentially just a big house, it’s a big household, so it’s expensive,” Braun says. “The inflation has really been crazy for us too, and for the families that we serve.”
Genesis House has also been reaching out to local movers and shakers this fall to talk about their dream of building a transitional housing apartment complex for women leaving abusive home situations.
The initial response has been one of interest and support, though Braun notes the $14 million price tag has left some people a bit taken aback.
She stresses the bulk of the project, when it moves forward, will be covered by funding from the federal and provincial governments, along with other grant sources.
As a result, the community’s contribution will be much lower, overall.
“The last time we were turned down for the grant from the CMHC [Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, a Government of Canada program] they said they didn’t think we could raise $680,000,” Braun shares of an earlier application for transitional housing. “I think that’s a much more manageable number for the community … I think we can do that over a period of time.
“What I’m realizing and learning as I go along this path is that the more community commitment I can show CMHC, the better. CMHC is very big on community support.”
She invites community members and business leaders to get in touch with Genesis House if they’d like to support this project.
In the meantime, Braun and the staff at Genesis House will continue their work helping the victims of domestic violence and raising awareness about the issue.
“The statistics say it’s one in three” women who will experience partner violence in their lives, Braun says, and it’s most certainly happening to members of our community.
“We just really want people to know that they have options,” she stresses.
If you need help, you can connect with Genesis House online at genesishouseshelter.ca or via their 24-hour crisis line at 204-325-9800.
