Sisters in Spirit
Aboriginal women face life-threatening, gender-based violence and disproportionately experience violent crimes because of hatred and racism. A recent RCMP report confirmed that there are 1,181 police-recorded incidents of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls across the country over the past 30 years.
We encourage you to honor the lives of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls by attending a Sisters in Spirit Vigil on October 4, 2014. Visit www.nwac.ca/sisters-spirit for more information, or participate in a Virtual Candlelight Vigil at www.october4th.ca. Read more here.
Volunteers Needed!
Howe Sound Women's Centre is seeking passionate women to join our team of inspired volunteers. Current volunteer opportunities include supporting women accessing Pearl's Safe Home, providing front line support at the Squamish or Whistler Women's Centres and helping with events/fundraising. Training is provided. Apply at the Squamish Women's Centre (38021 Third Avenue), the Whistler Women's Centre (1519 Spring Creek Drive) or call (604) 962-8711 for more information.
Application Deadline: Friday, November 7, 2014
Child Abuse Prevention
October is child abuse prevention month. Sadly, child abuse is a prevalent issue. In one year, approximately 235,842 child maltreatment investigations were conducted across Canada, 36% of which were substantiated. Of those substantiated investigations, exposure to intimate partner violence was one of the most common forms of child maltreatment.
Child abuse prevention is everyone's responsibility. Anyone who has reason to believe that a child has been or is likely to be abused or neglected is legally obligated to report the matter to a child protection social worker. Click here for more information.
Local Resources:
Ayas Men Child and Family Services: 604 892-5975
MCFD Squamish: 604 892-1400
Lil'wat Nation Family Support Workers: 604 894-6656
MCFD Pemberton: 604-894-2091
EMPOWERING GIRLS FOR OUR FUTURE
Every year on October 11, girls and women around the globe celebrate International Day of the Girl Child. In December 2011, the United Nations declared it would annually observe the International Day of the Girl Child, beginning October 11, 2012. This special day promotes girls’ rights and highlights gender inequalities between girls and boys that remain to this day. Discrimination and violence against girls and violations of their human rights happen every day across the globe. International Day of the Girl Child is about raising awareness of the challenging issues that girls face, and advocating for a better future for all girls, no matter their race, culture, socioeconomic status and/or where they live. All girls matter, all girls have the power to change the world. Read more here.
Pretty Faces Premier
In celebration of International Day of the Girl, the Unicorn Picnic all-girl ski movie "Pretty Faces" premiers Thursday, October 9th from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm in Whistler at the Rainbow Theatre. Pretty Faces is a film that celebrates women in sport committed to taking the path less traveled. Thickets are $10 with proceeds benefiting the Howe Sound Women's Centre and Kenyan charity OneHorizon. The film will be preceded by three guest speakers focusing on how sport can empower girls. Click here to purchase tickets.
Pearl's Value & Vintage Recognized as Supportive Employer
In alignment with Accessibility 2024, a 10 year action plan to become the most progressive province in Canada for people with disabilities, BC declared September Disability Employment Month.
Pearl's Value & Vintage was featured by WorkBC's Employment Services September E-newsletter as a supportive employer with inclusive hiring practices. People with Disabilities are an Asset to Your Organization profiles contributions made by Pearl's Value & Vintage employee, Anthony Martinez. "Anthony has been a phenomenal addition to the store. He's done a lot for the Women's Centre and for us" states Store Manager, Kate Harvey. Anthony shares, "I want people with disabilities to not be afraid. To not let their disability get in the way of opportunities for work."
33 Years of Service
Excerpt from a 1989 Howe Sound Women's Centre Newsletter in celebration of 33 years of service.
October 7 marks Howe Sound Women's Centre Society's 33rd year serving women of the Sea to Sky Corridor. Ever adapting, Howe Sound Women's Centre continues to investigate, strengthen and expand resources and services by responding to the needs of women and children and advocating to end violence against women. Last year, with your support, the society responded to 253 crisis calls, provided safe housing to 86 women and children in transition, supported 112 children/youth through groups and individual counselling and served over 3,835 women through the drop-in centres. Thank you for your continued support!
