A fundraiser next month in Orillia will celebrate International Women’s Day and support an agency that helps vulnerable residents in the region.
Women Rock will take place on International Women’s Day, March 8, at the Geneva Event Centre.
The concert, featuring local musicians Sarah Stinson, As Is, and Gearl Jam (featuring Suds Sutherland), will raise money for the Elizabeth Fry Society of Simcoe County, an agency that supports people in a variety of ways, including those dealing with the justice system.
When Geneva Event Centre owner Donald Porter learned about the society, he offered to a host a fundraiser and donate the hall for the cause.
“I just wanted to see something that was run by women, for women,” Porter said, adding he is excited about the women rockers on the bill. “We’ll get the girls to play and the guys can pay.”
A representative of the Elizabeth Fry Society will be at the event to briefly speak about the organization and its programs.
Joy Thompson, executive director of the society’s Simcoe County branch, said the support is needed and appreciated.
“For the community to come together in Orillia, where there are extremely vulnerable youth who we serve, and on International Women’s Day … we’re so grateful. It really does take a village,” she said.
“When people go to this event, you’ll be having an incredible night celebrating the achievements of women and girls, but also acknowledging the struggle of women and girls.”
The society supports boys and girls, women and men, of all ages.
It runs a Youth Trustee program for 16- and 17-year-olds who aren’t able to live with their parents or guardians and are homeless or living in a precarious situation.
Trustee workers accompany youth to their Ontario Works appointments and help them with financial, housing, educational and employment options while supporting them to remain in school.
Offered in Muskoka and Simcoe County, the program served more than 100 people last year — 31 of whom were from the Orillia area. That number is on the rise, Thompson said.
The program is being expanded to include Safe Independent Choices in an effort to prevent sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
“People don’t think this happens in our communities, but human trafficking is a huge issue,” Thompson said.
Expected to launch at the end of March, the program will include workshops and provide youth with a safety kit of tools and resources to use once they have completed the program.
Most of the money raised during Women Rock will go toward the Youth Trustee program.
“This event will give us an opportunity to let everybody know how they’re part of the solution, too,” Thompson said.
Tickets to Women Rock cost $25, with all proceeds going to the Elizabeth Fry Society of Simcoe County. Tickets can be purchased here.
The show will start at 7 p.m. There will be a cash bar, door prizes and a raffle.
More information about the Elizabeth Fry Society of Simcoe County can be found here.
