Fundraiser raises cash for shelters

A stabbing downtown last month has one local establishment hoping to raise some awareness about domestic violence.

On Sunday, the Loose Goose in downtown Windsor held a fundraiser, which raised $2,700 for a total of $5,400.

The money was split between the Welcome Centre Shelter for Women and Families and the Hiatus House. Benjamin Carter, 21, was arrested and charged with attempted murder for the June 5 stabbing of a woman near the Loose Goose restaurant.

The woman was rushed to hospital with non-life threatening stab wounds to her neck. Police have said the two knew each other. “We tried to put a positive spin on a terrible situation,” said Loose Goose owner Dan Spada. “This was in direct response to that stabbing and we just wanted to show we do not condone violence against women or violence against anyone. It was a very big shock to everyone in this neighbourhood.”

Spada said they donated the money to the Welcome Centre and Hiatus House since the two places are known “safe havens” for women. The money was raised through donations for a $10 buffet. Kristin Douglas, from the Welcome Centre Shelter for Women, said the donation was a welcome surprise. Douglas said the money will more than likely go toward the down payment on a “forever home” for the centre, which is currently located on Bridge Street. “I wouldn’t say domestic violence is necessarily on the rise, but for us as a welcome centre we help any woman and families experiencing homelessness for whatever reason,” Douglas said. “Obviously, if other places like Hiatus House are full we do get some overflow.”