Coffee Day an opportunity to reunite with survivor of abuse
They’re everywhere.
Women who have been or are still being abused walk among us every day.
Sometimes we know who they are and are aware of the spousal violence they have endured. Sometimes they keep the abuse a secret — because they are afraid of further violence, or they’re embarrassed, or they blame themselves for what’s happening to them.
It’s not easy to walk away. It takes strength and courage.
While volunteering at Coffee Day at Nicky’s Cafe last Saturday morning, I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by a lovely woman I had interviewed several years ago after she had left an abusive relationship.
She looked wonderful. And happy. She introduced me to her parents and her sister, and updated me on her two children. She suggested to her mother and sister that they consider writing down their story — as family members of an abused woman — and share them with me. They agreed to think about it.
This attractive, intelligent, well educated career woman made quite an impression on me when we met several years ago. Seeing her again reminded me of how strong a person has to be to survive and to leave an abusive relationship, and that there are success stories.
Donations to the LeaderPost Christmas Cheer Fund support Regina shelters that give the gift of hope to women and children fleeing domestic abuse. They provide them with a hand up, not a handout.
The woman you’re helping could be your daughter or your sister. They are not victims. They are survivors.
Coffee Day at Nicky’s raised $2,000.01. Thanks to Nick, Marina and Perry Makris for welcoming Cheer Fund volunteers and letting us “coffee log” customers.
Owner Nick Makris donated $500, and his compassionate, generous patrons donated the rest. Thank you to all of you!
The charities chosen to receive money from this year’s Christmas Cheer Fund are four Regina shelters that provide safety and support for women and children in domestic abuse situations: SOFIA House, Transition House, The YWCA Regina’s Isabel Johnson Shelter and WISH Safe House.
Donations of $10 or more are tax-deductible, with receipts issued in the name of The Leader-Post Foundation.
The Leader-Post and the foundation cover all administrative costs associated with the fund, which means that every cent of your donation will be split among these organizations.
There are several ways to make a donation:
• Online by going to leaderpost. com/cheerfund.
• By dropping off a donation at the reception desk in the front office of the Leader-Post, 1964 Park St., weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• By mailing a cheque or money order to The Leader-Post Christmas Cheer Fund, Box 1130, Regina, Sask., S4P 3B4. An official donation receipt from the foundation will be mailed to you by the end of the campaign.
• By making a donation using a credit card. An ongoing ad in the Leader-Post provides details.
If there is a special story behind your donation, feel free to tell us about it.