More than 150 gather to support Brenda Strafford Society

For the 85 women and their children who are healing from the scars of domestic abuse and violence, the Brenda Strafford Society is a godsend. The society was established in 1996 when it became apparent that there was a dire need in Calgary for longer accommodation for women leaving emergency shelters.

The Brenda Strafford Foundation invited the heads of local crisis shelters and other active community members to form an advisory committee to suggest solutions to this difficult problem.

In co-operation with Calgary Housing Company, The Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence opened its doors to women and their children who had fled domestic violence.

The centre provides safe accommodation for stays of up to six months with an opportunity for progressive housing thereafter. The centre is named for Brenda Strafford, late wife of Dr. Barrie Strafford, founder of The Brenda Strafford Foundation Ltd. Dr. Strafford died April 25, 2016, but this outstanding couple’s legacy will live on for many years to come.

More than 150 guests gathered at Webster Galleries on the evening of International Women’s Day to support the invaluable work of the centre.

Appetizers, beverages, prize draws, a silent auction and a violin performance by 17-year-old virtuoso Angela Ryu — winner of the grand award at the National Music Festival — were but a few of the evening’s highlights.

For many of the guests, however, the evening will most be remembered for the heartfelt thank you from a shelter resident who shared how the Brenda Strafford Centre has helped her progress from a tearful woman fleeing a violent home to a confident PhD student at the U of C.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi spoke to the importance of the centre to the community and the announcement of the launch of an educational scholarship fund to be accessed by progressive housing residents pursuing post-secondary education was the perfect cap for the fundraising evening. Emcee Global’s Leslie Horton welcomed guests in attendance including: board chair Norma Jackson and colleagues Mike Conroy and his wife Sue; society executive director Alma Fourie; Erika Ramos; Patty Parslow; Rebecca Gillies; Tammy Kucher; and others pictured.

Erika Ramos, from left, Patty Parslow, Rebecca Gillies and Tammy Kucher attended the event, which included a silent auction and entertainment.

From left are Kirby Soon, Ron Barry, emcee Leslie Horton and Leib Zeisler. The event raised more than $35,000.

Mike and Sue Conroy and Norma Jackson came out in support of the society.

PHOTOGRAPHS: BRENDA STRAFFORD SOCIETY Pictured with reason to smile at The International Women’s Day Celebration held at Webster Galleries in support of The Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence is gala chair Sam Hayes. The event was attended by more than 150...

Mayor Naheed Nenshi, from left, is joined by gala committee member Susan Kumar and society executive director Alma Fourie.

The Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence would not be nearly as viable were it not for the invaluable support of Mac’s. Pictured at the event is Mayor Naheed Nenshi with several Mac’s staff members.