For Immediate Release
WOMEN AND MEN TAKE STEPS TO END DOMESTIC ABUSE IN CALGARY
CALGARY, September 15, 2019 – Alberta ranks third highest for rates of domestic violence in Canada; in Calgary alone, the number of domestic homicides halfway through 2019 were nearly equal to both 2017 and 2018 combined. It’s time for Calgarians to step up to create a safer community by breaking the cycle of violence for women and families.
YWCA Calgary is proud to host the 14th annual YW WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES® on September 15 at Southcentre Mall. This annual fundraising event addresses an ongoing and pervasive issue that impacts far too many families in our community – domestic abuse. Women, men, families and friends will step up and walk together to help create a safe and healthy community for everyone.
“This is about changing how our society responds to domestic abuse and understanding how domestic abuse affects our community,” says Sue Tomney, Chief Executive Officer. “Violence is perpetrated through silence. It’s time for us to stand up together as a community to put an end to domestic abuse and be part of the solution.”
With the support of local businesses, including Royal LePage Benchmark and Southcentre Mall, YW WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES® raises funds to support women and families fleeing domestic violence through a continuum of programs and services offered by YW Calgary.
“We are very excited to be part of YW WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES® this year as we do our part to build a safer and healthier community,” says Rashmi Aimiuwu, Marketing Director at Southcentre Mall.
Funds raised support women and families through YW domestic violence programs and service. Last year, more than 2,800 individuals accessed YW Calgary domestic violence programs and services and more than 630 women and children spent a night in YW’s domestic violence shelter.
For more information and to register and donate, visit walkamile.ca
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About YW Calgary:
YW Calgary is the largest and longest serving women’s organization in Calgary. For over a century, we have focused on enhancing women’s safety and well-being while advocating for equity. Each year, YW Calgary supports more than 5,800 Calgary women and their families. Together with our donors, government and other social agencies, we provide crisis shelter, transitional and supported housing, counselling, parenting supports, childcare, language and employment programs that help move women from crisis to stability.
Women-centred. Brighter-future focused.
ywcalgary.ca
For information please contact:
Delia Popa
Marketing & Communications Specialist
403.615.9877 | dpopa@ywcalgary.ca
