The YWCA in Brandon is finishing up their November fund-raising campaign “The Power of PJ`s” to help families who were forced to leave their homes due to family violence, with just the clothes on their backs. The YWCA is collecting funds to purchase items such as pajamas, essentials (like socks and underwear), towels, facecloths and bathrobes for the Westman Women`s Shelter till the end of November. They are also accepting new purchased items as well.

As of December 1st, the YWCA will be starting a new fund-raising campaign called “Keeping Spirits Bright”, whereby a 7-foot tall Christmas tree will be set up in front of the Meredith Place Transitional Shelter located at 148-11th Street, and lights will be added as donations arrive.

Philma Scheepers is the Administrative Assistant at the YWCA at Meredith Place Transitional Shelter. She says they received a donated tree from the Green Spot and lights from various businesses to begin their campaign to raise awareness and funds for the shelter. “Keeping Spirits Bright” will be held throughout the month of December till the 31st.

“The plan right now is to have a tree in the front yard of Meredith Place,” says Scheepers, “and for every donation we get we will light it up more, our goal is to raise $5,250. That represents $10 dollars for every woman and child that had spent a night at the YWCA Westman Women’s Shelter in 2014.”

 

 

The Westman Women’s Shelter had its beginnings on the third floor of the YWCA Meredith Place Residence located on 11th Street in 1978. Presently the women’s shelter is located at an undisclosed location and not at the 11th Street site. It offers a safe, emergency home to women and their children who are victims of family violence.

Shelters across Manitoba assist approximately 3000 women, men and children every year. Brandon YWCA Westman Women`s Shelter provided 6,877 `bed-nights` to women, men and children who were victims of domestic violence during the 2015-2016 year.

To make a donation to the “Power of PJ`s” or the “Keeping Spirits Bright” fund-raising campaigns, contact the YWCA by calling 204-571-3680 or email Philma Scheepers at ywcaadmin@wcgwave.ca.

For more information on the YWCA visit their website at ywcabrandon.com