Staff
With November being Woman Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, Riverside Community Counselling Services is urging local businesses, organizations, and individuals to support the annual “Shine the Light” campaign.
They can show their support this Wednesday (Nov. 15) on “Wear Purple Day” by wearing purple clothes that day–and even decorating their workplaces in purple for the occasion and (if they so choose) for the rest of the month.
“This is a partnership that Riverside Community Counselling is doing with the London Abused Woman Centre in London, Ont.,” said Jacquee Loerzel, a community family violence counsellor.
“They’ve been doing it for a number of years now and have communities across the province that also are participating,” she noted.
“And so for the whole month of November, we’re standing in solidarity with women who have experienced abuse of all types,” Loerzel explained.
“The official colour is purple; it represents courage and survival and honour.”
Loerzel has been asking businesses and organizations to put up “Shine the Light” posters in their windows in support of the campaign.
She added Riverside Community Counselling Services also has partnered with Jennifer Horton of Curvy Chick, who is holding a cupcake fundraiser for them.
Riverside and others have put in cupcake orders with Horton and will be picking them up next Wednesday.
Looking ahead to next Friday (Nov. 17), Riverside Community Counselling Services will see support from the Fort Frances Lakers at their game here that night against the Thunder Bay North Stars.
While details still are being finalized, Loerzel noted that in the past, the Lakers have used purple tape on their sticks while Riverside was given a segment at the game to share a few words about “Shine the Light.”
This year, Loerzel also has stickers for the Lakers to put on their helmets, and will be handing out purple ribbons to those attending the game.
Loerzel said if anyone is in need of counselling for domestic violence issues, they’re urged to contact her at 274-4807.
