The Victoria Women’s Transition House Society is getting a boost after Uptown Shopping Centre donated 200 emergency shelter welcome kits last week.
Uptown handpicked and packaged basic items like shampoo and toothpaste as well as additional comforts like bath salts and nail filers to gift to the shelter.
“Transition House provides an important emergency service for women in our community. Uptown wanted to support their work and when we learned their need for donations including emergency shelter welcome kits had significantly increased, we saw a natural fit for a shopping centre to help,” said Kristy Lowes, marketing director, Uptown.
There are also welcome kits for children that include baby wipes, tear-free shampoo and tub toys. The kits are placed in the bedrooms of each new resident at the shelter and are used during their 30-day stay.
“Kits are needed year-round for women, with and without children, who are fleeing domestic abuse,” said Susan Howard, development director of the society. "We want to sincerely thank Uptown for this thoughtful donation of Emergency Shelter Welcome Kits and for helping us with our important Welcome Kit program."
For 40 years, VWTHS has been providing emergency shelter, support, counselling and education to women of all ages so that they can live free from the effects of abuse in intimate relationships. The Society is a registered non-profit charity and strives to prevent and eliminate abuse through education, advocacy and partnerships.
VWTHS offers services from six sites with approximately 45 dedicated staff and 70-plus loyal volunteers. In addition to the 24-hour crisis line and 18-bed emergency shelter, Transition House offers additional programs and services for women, older women and children who witness abuse.
"Women seeking information regarding domestic abuse and community support resources are encouraged to call our confidential, 24-hour Crisis and Support Line at 250-385-6611," said Howard.
The society is also launching its spring fundraising campaign to raise funds towards operating costs of the emergency shelter and community programs and services for women and children. Go online to transitionhouse.net for more information.
editor@saanichnews.com