Men part of the Cheer Fund solution

Takes special kinds of guys to lend their support to domestic violence survivors

Some men are part of the problem. Others play a key role in finding solutions.

During a recent driveway chat, my neighbour Curtis commented on how difficult it must be for those working with survivors of domestic violence — hearing stories of abuse; seeing bodies severely battered. It’s difficult, heart-wrenching work.

It takes a special kind of person to work on the front line at a crisis shelter. And front-line workers need a strong support network.

Eric Greenway understood that. He was the director of communications at the YWCA of Regina until his tragic death in March 2017. A talented writer, Greenway gleaned from the experiences of staff and residents at the Isabel Johnson Shelter to create vignettes, which were published for years during the Leader-post Christmas Cheer Fund campaign.

He provided a glimpse into the inner workings of a crisis shelter. He shared stories of what it’s like to spend Christmas in a shelter, how support workers help children deal with witnessing violence, how outreach programs continue the healing process.

Greenway was a kind and gentle man who devoted himself to helping women. He was a loving husband to Donna for more than 40 years and a devoted father to three daughters. He was a pillar of support — as a colleague and friend — to staff at the YWCA.

Men like Eric Greenway make a difference.

The Cheer Fund is a perfect example of how men step up to help. Former Leader-post sports editor Gregg Drinnan spearheaded the reintroduction of the Cheer Fund 28 years ago to raise awareness, money and spirits. He passed the torch to Will Chabun, who went above and beyond to ensure the campaign’s success. Chabun even arranged to pick up donations from housebound donors!

Now Rob Vanstone is the voice of the Cheer Fund, bringing Cheer back to the sports department, where Drinnan got the ball rolling.

Thanks, guys!

DONATIONS

Here is a list of Christmas Cheer Fund donations processed between Dec. 19 and 26:

Morning Men’s Group — YMCA Men’s Plus, downtown location, $800

George and Lynne Rosenau, $100 (in memory of our dear friend Judy)

Gary and Fran Mcleod, $100 Liliann and David Wilton, $30 (in memory of Alan Wilton)

Virginia Selby, $100 (in memory of Austin)

Brian and Rita Legaarden, $100 (in lieu of gifts to each other) Anonymous, $75

Anonymous, $2,000

James and Ardelle Thompson, $100 (Nicky’s Coffee Day)

Patrons at Nicky’s Cafe — Nicky’s Coffee Day, $245

Irene Seiberling, $250 (celebrating 35 years of Marshall/kelly friendship)

Lawton Partners Charitable Giving Foundation Inc., $1,500 (in honour of Chet and Pat Brothers) D.G. White, $200

St. Anthony C.W.L., $200

Lyn Goldman, $100

Denise I. Macmillan, $150 (in memory of Geo R. Fathers)

Hilda Anderson, $20

Donna and Terry Kellsey, $100 Anonymous, $25

Dawn Elliott, $200 (in memory of my parents)

Anonymous, $25 (in honour of abused and homeless)

Peter Krystal, $75 (in memory of my wife, Martha)

Connie Mcdougall, $25 Anonymous, $50

Anne and Don Gourlay, $200

Anonymous, $120

Eric and Rosemary Dietrich, $100

Anonymous, $300 (in memory of my hero, Kirby)

Ruth Preikschat, $200

Laura Tessier, $100 (in memory of Mom)

Bruce Crump, $50

Anonymous, $100

Anonymous, $200 (in memory of Len and Elsie Wilke)

Cara Benz Tramer, $20

Drew and Donna Millard, $50 Anonymous, $50

Doreen and Ronald Lawrance, $100 (to those who need it the most)

Anonymous, $100

Anonymous, $200 (in memory of Art and Marg Petrovitch from Neil and Shirley Petrovitch and Rodney Petrovitch)

Susan Feltin, $50

Anonymous, $100

Anonymous, $125.09 (in honour of Sonia Abrahamson)

Karen and Mark Cherry, $200 (in loving memory of Ralph Alberts)

Anonymous, $50

Gary and Wendy Williams, $100 (in memory of our fathers and mother — George and Blanche Williams, and Charles Dolinshaw)

Leigh Anne and Doug Macknight, $50

Shannon Hengen, $50 Anonymous, $200 (in memory of Merle Waffle, Edith Peterson, Dorothy Cox, Ruth and Susan Robinson, Kaz Reardon, Dianna Waffle and Clara Alderton)

Laura Weir, $100

Robin Endsin, $325 (in memory of Reinhold Endsin, Walter Weir and Katharina Endsin)

Blair Parkinson, $100

Gordon and Lee Beck, $100

Tim and Sheryl Iannone, $200 (in memory of Nick Iannone) Anonymous, $800

Susan Young, $200 (in memory of Herb and Toni Young)

Anonymous, $100 (in lieu of Christmas gifts for faculty and staff, University of Regina, Faculty of Nursing)

J.R.’S Welding Ltd., $100 Anonymous, $50

Darla Nowokowski, $200 (in memory of Arthur and Emma Johnston)

Anonymous, $50

Anita Jadischke, $100

Sam and Erika Berg, $100

Tom Ash, $50 (in memory of Les and Marie Fleming)

Tom and Tina Ash, $50 (in memory of Leanne and Joe Ash) Anonymous, $100

Anonymous, $75

Darcy and Cathy Schatz, $100 (thank you for your initiative to help those in need)

Anonymous, $200

B. Mahnic, $10

Brenda Jones, $50

Laurie Campbell, $100

Jim and Glenna Curry, $100 Janet Bjorndahl, $200

Michael Schneider, $100 (in honour of Peggy Schneider)

2019 CAMPAIGN TOTAL: $80,959.64.