NEWS RELEASE
GREEN HAVEN SHELTER FOR WOMEN
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(Earlier this week), Green Haven Shelter for Women, hosted a Wrapped in Courage Flag Raising Ceremony at the Orillia Opera House.
The event marked the National Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign aimed at raising awareness and inspiring action.
The flag-raising serves as a powerful symbol of the community’s commitment to supporting survivors and ending gender-based violence. This year’s theme for the Wrapped in Courage campaign, “Threads of Action,” emphasizes that even small steps can collectively weave a stronger, safer future for survivors of violence.
“Gender-based violence affects individuals, families, and entire communities,” said Linda Reid, Executive Director of Green Haven Shelter for Women. “According to the United Nations, a woman is killed by an intimate partner or family member every 10 minutes globally. This is a crisis that demands urgent attention and action from all of us.”
In Simcoe County alone, hundreds of women and children seek refuge each year, fleeing abuse and rebuilding their lives with the help of organizations like Green Haven. The shelter provides not only a safe place to stay but also critical support services such as counselling, legal advocacy, and programs for children affected by violence.
Green Haven Shelter for Women is encouraging community members to take action during the 16 Days of Activism, whether by donating, following along on social media, or simply spreading awareness about the realities of gender-based violence. Contributions to Green Haven’s “Gift of a Safe Tomorrow” campaign can make a direct impact:
- $50 provides a comfort package with essentials like pajamas and toiletries.
- $200 supports a night of shelter for a woman in need.
- $500 covers a New Beginnings Transition Package to help with moving costs
- $1,000 covers five nights of safety and security for a survivor.
“Every action counts,” Reid emphasized. “Together, we can ensure that no one in our community is left without hope or safety.”
For more information about Green Haven Shelter for Women and to donate, visit greenhavenshelter.com or follow @greenhavenshelter on social media.
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