Moose Jaw Transition House receives $5,000 donation for pandemic outreach work
The Moose Jaw Transition House has received a $5,000 donation from RBC to help it weather the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The donation enables Transition House staff to support those in need outside of the traditional shelter model. “Thanks to this funding we’re able to hire an Emergency Outreach Worker to support those in crisis during the pandemic, as well as through the increase of domestic violence we predict in the months to follow,” said Jenn Angus, Executive Director, Moose Jaw Transition House. Emergency Outreach Workers have the ability to work outside of the traditional shelter model, providing women and families services that focus on securing immediate safety, housing, crisis support, and food security – even if they aren’t staying at the shelter.
“From helping to us to build a new fence at our shelter, to supporting women in leadership at the PRISM awards, and providing donations to our Career Closet for women to improve their employment skills, we’ve received a lot of support from local RBC folks through the years,” said Jenn Angus, Executive Director, Moose Jaw Transition House. “With this most recent donation we’re better able to help support those most impacted by the pandemic, even if they aren’t staying at the shelter.”
Staff at the Moose Jaw Transition House also received an Olympic-sized motivational boost from one of Canada’s most passionate women’s rights advocates – slalom canoe racer Haley Daniels. Daniels is one of Canada’s top athletes preparing for the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games.
“It was so special for our staff to get this message, ” said Angus. “Haley said she read about what we are going through due to the pandemic, so she wanted to tell us to keep up the good work, and that she’s cheering for us,” said Angus. “Having her recognize us publicly like that and sharing that video will really help us raise awareness.” After years of lobbying to have women’s slalom canoe added to the Games, Daniels, who is from Calgary, is poised to be among the first to represent Canada at an Olympic games in her sport at the upcoming games in Tokyo. “When I hear about the work the bank does with local women’s groups, I’m always excited to help,” said Daniels. “The pandemic is difficult for all of us, but especially for women and children in dangerous situations at home. The work Moose Jaw Interval House is doing is so important.” The donation is one of six pandemic-related donations being made to similar organizations across the province and continues a long-term commitment to women’s shelters in the region. Over the past five years the RBC Women Employee Resource Group in the prairie region as filled and donated more than 500 shoeboxes filled with items for women using shelters and women’s centres.