Stop The Silence fundraiser brings Glenboro together to support domestic violence survivors
What began as one woman’s personal journey has grown into an annual effort to raise awareness and support for victims of domestic violence.
The second annual Stop the Silence fundraiser brought a steady stream of familiar and new faces through The Vault in Glenboro, with the community coming together to support an important cause.
The event was busy from start to finish, with the day fully booked for services and even walk-in clients being accommodated. Lunch and baked goods were also a hit, adding to the success of the fundraiser.
By the end of the day, more than $4,400 had been raised toward the $5,000 goal.
The tally has not yet been determined, as donations will remain open until the end of Thursday, October 9, giving those who may have forgotten or had to miss their appointments at the last minute an opportunity to contribute.
Among the guests who stopped by were Spruce Woods MLA Colleen Robbins and Agassiz MLA Jodie Byram. Both woman commented what an important fundraiser this is but just as important is raising awareness to how many people are adversely affected by abuse.
While every guest was appreciated, their presence helped bring additional attention to an event focused on an issue that can affect people from every walk of life.
Funds raised through Stop the Silence will be donated to Klinic Community Health, where they will help support victims of domestic violence. The hope is that the funds can also help develop new programs and provide assistance that will allow more services to be created for those who need them.
For Hainsworth, one of the organizers, Stop the Silence is about much more than raising money.
It began with a deeply personal experience.
“My sister, Sandy Kemp, thought of this as a way to show support in my journey,” she explained. “She felt so helpless trying to find a way to help me and my healing.”
Stacey expressed that when someone is going through a difficult experience, it can be hard for family and friends to know what they can do to take away the pain.
“It’s not easy and it’s hard when there isn’t anything anyone can do to take that pain and suffering away,” she said.
“But I’ll be the first to say it can literally happen to anyone and you will not always see it coming,” she said thoughtfully.
Rather than allowing her horrifying experience to remain something spoken about privately, she and her sister decided to use her story as a platform to build awareness and help others.
And now, two years later, the idea has grown into an event supported by an entire community and then some.
The response from Glenboro has been overwhelming, with family, friends, neighbours and community members coming together to show their support.
“It truly takes a village as they say,” she said; “and I am proud to say that Glenboro is my village.”
Donations can still be made by e-transfer to stopdvglenboro@gmail.com
Cash donations can be dropped off at The Vault in Glenboro.
PHOTO CAPTION: (back row l-r): Stacey Hainsworth, Joss Kemp, Alicia Vertz, Lori Williamson, MLA for Agassiz – Jodie Byram, MLA for Spruce Woods Colleen Robbins and Shelly Davidson. (front row l. to r.): Jess Sinclair, Sandy Kemp, Mariah Scott, Sara Smith, Emaleigh Clemis and Mikaela Sattler. PHOTO BY SUZANNE PADDOCK
