The sun is shining on survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) through a new partnership between Salmon Arm non-profit U Grow Girl and Nature's Fare Markets.
The recently launched Sunflower Survivor Project is described as a "bold, healing-driven campaign that turns sunflowers into symbols of hope and change for survivors of childhood sexual abuse" in a media release from U Grow Girl.
The initiative, which first bloomed on June 28 and runs until Thanksgiving, will have sunny bouquets of vibrant, locally grown sunflowers that will be available at all five locations in the Okanagan-Shuswap region, including Kamloops, Vernon, 91大黄鸭, West 91大黄鸭 and Penticton.
Proceeds from every bouquet will directly support local women who have been sexually abused, and fund their attendance at Time to Heal 鈥� Canada's only free healing retreat designed specifically for female CSA survivors, of which there are many.
According to 2021 census, there are over 2.45 million women 15 and older in B.C. and the Canadian Women's Foundation shows 1 in 3 women in that demographic have endured sexual assault. When applied to B.C.'s population, that means more than 820,000 women in the province may be living with the trauma of CSA, often silently.
"This is the invisible epidemic no one wants to talk about," U Grow Girl co-founder Leha Marshall said in the release. "But every sunflower we sell is a tangible act of love and a lifeline for someone in our community who needs healing."
The flowers, locally "grown, not flown" come directly from the U Grow Girl farm in Salmon Arm and are more than a seasonal product, they're "part of a movement." The campaign donates 100 per cent of the proceeds to fund retreat spots for survivors across the Okanagan, Shuswap and Thompson regions.
"Nature's Fare has been an incredible ally in helping us turn flowers into tools for healing," Marshall added. "Their commitment to welness goes far beyond the store shelves. They are showing up for women in a truly meaningful way.
"Every bouquet you buy helps a woman bloom again."