Archway Society for Domestic Peace received a $20,000 donation from a 91大黄鸭-based developer and property management company from Ontario, and the society said it couldn鈥檛 come at a better time.
鈥淒omestic violence has been at epidemic levels for years, but since the arrival of COVID-19, we鈥檝e seen increased needs for our services,鈥� co-executive director Sherry Demetrick said.
The donation from Highstreet Ventures and Skyline Living was made as part of a recent celebration of the grand opening of Vernon鈥檚 Creekview Heights on Deleenheer Road.
Developed by Highstreet, construction was completed in June. Skyline Living, of Guelph, Ont., will manage the three-building property.
鈥淗ighstreet is dedicated to create a positive impact in the communities that we build in,鈥� Highstreet vice-president of development Christina Wilson said. 鈥淭his year has had a tremendous effect on everyone鈥檚 living situation, which is why we selected the Archway Society for this donation.鈥�
Skyline Living鈥檚 vice-president echoed the sentiments.
鈥淪kyline Living is committed to building strong, caring and vibrant communities and to working with companies who share that vision,鈥� BJ Santavy said. 鈥淲e are pleased to have joined with Highstreet in contributing to Archway Society, which plays such an important role for children and families in Vernon.鈥�
Archway Society for Domestic Peace offers a transition house, counselling and justice-related programs. It has also introduced supportive programs for young parents, women at risk of violence and homelessness and children who have suffered abuse.
But, like any other non-profit organization, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic has put added pressures on the organization while need for its services continued to increase.
鈥淭he abuse is not going to stop; a victim鈥檚 trauma is not going to be put on hold while this pandemic is happening,鈥� Archway鈥檚 co-executive director Micki Materi said.
The society鈥檚 primary fundraiser, the Little Black Dress Event, was cancelled due to COVID-19 and its associated health orders and restrictions on gatherings.
鈥淭his donation will help ensure we are able to continue to support women, children and families in our community,鈥� Materi said.
Next month, the society is hosting a virtual fundraiser in lieu of its Little Black Dress Event.
The Black Dress and Tuxedo Virtual Event on Dec. 11 will feature performances by Andrew Johns via Zoom. Guests will be treated to a 鈥淧arty in a Bag Kit鈥� including three bottles of wine, a cheese and meat board from the Wedge and Evolve gin from Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery. Dinner from the Med can be added on for an additional $20.
Tickets start at $150 and are available on .
READ MORE:
READ MORE:
Caitlin.clow@vernonmorningstar.com
Like us on and follow us on .
