Youth present donations to Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey

Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey is dedicated to ending violence against women and children, and providing many services, not only in support of those who have experienced abuse, but also to help educate the public about healthy relationships and the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship.

The goal is to strive for a change in societal behaviour patterns and cultural values, and to build awareness so everyone can help advocate for a community where all are respected, safe and valued - a positive environment in which our children can grow up.

Ultimately, it will be the youth who bring about that change, as seen in a couple of donations to the Women's House this past week.

The Port Elgin Youth Empowerment Program (portelginjunioryouth.weebly.com and on Facebook), led by Cherie Laville, is a small group of big-hearted young people whose mandate and focus is on empowering youth through many avenues, including promoting the welfare of the community and the people who live in it.



Michelle Lamont (right), community and fund development co-ordinator for the Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey, receives a donation from the Port Elgin Youth Empowerment Program; photos courtesy of the Women's House

This is the second year the group has held a yard sale in support of Women’s House, and this year a bake sale was added to the event, resulting in a sizable donation. The youth have a passion for helping others, and they are well aware of the need for support of women and children who have experienced domestic violence.

Fresh from a track and field meet at the Davidson Centre in Kincardine, nine-year-old Ava Cormier-Plante (right) of Kincardine wore her winning ribbons pinned to her T-shirt and rang the bell of the Women’s House administration office. A week before, she had decided to run a lemonade stand, with the intention of donating all the proceeds to Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey.

With the money in hand, and her mother and brother by her side, she presented the donation.

“I know a couple of women and their children who had to come to live at Women’s House in the past," said Ava. "They were able to live there, get support from counsellors, and Women’s House even helped them to find a new home! So I just thought I’d like to help support what Women’s House does for people and help them make their lives better.”