The 18th annual Global News ‘Give Me Shelter’ donation drive began Nov. 30, on Giving Tuesday.
The campaign supports Edmonton and area women’s shelters.
Global Edmonton is collecting gift cards and online monetary donations to support women and children escaping domestic violence, making sure they have items they need when they arrive at the shelters.
“There’s so much need,” said Jan Reimer, executive director of the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters. She said Alberta has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in Canada.
“We have seen, during the pandemic, increased concern about what is happening, coupled with the ‘stay home, stay safe’ message and how that plays into the hands of abusers.”
Reimer said shelters have seen increased demand over the last few months.
“COVID puts a completely different complexion on things.
“We also know that some of our members are still having to reduce their occupancy and capacity due to public heath measures.”
She noted that shelters don’t just offer beds for people escaping domestic violence; they also offer outreach programs, advice and support.
“You don’t have to come to a shelter to get help from one,” Reimer said. “Call sooner, not later. Get the help and support that you need.”
Gift cards of any denomination can be dropped off or mailed to Global Edmonton. There is a donation box in the front entrance of the Global Edmonton Studios at 5325 Allard Way. It will be there until Dec. 19. Gift cards can also be mailed, before Dec. 16, to 5325 Allard Way, Edmonton, AB, T6H 5B8.
Monetary donations can be made online at the Give Me Shelter page.
Reimer said Give Me Shelter is a way for Albertans to show their support to those getting out of unsafe relationships.
“It really makes a difference… and it shows the community cares about them.”
She explained that often, when they leave, “they don’t have anything: sheets, cooking gear, food for their kids. All those are so important and so much what we take for granted.
“I think the gift cards in particular allow women, after they’ve been controlled for so long, to give them the freedom to choose what they want.”
The Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation was formed in 2012 after Morinville mother Jessica Martel was killed.
“My daughter Jessica lived in an abusive relationship for quite some time, and on the day that we were supposed to take her from that, she was murdered by her common-law husband,” said Lynne Rosychuk, Jessica’s mother and founder of the Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation.
Jessie’s House was opened in 2020. The 35-bed shelter serves Sturgeon County and the surrounding area. Its mission is to empower men, women and children to live lives free of violence.
“My daughter and I had a dream of building a place together. And after her death, it just pushed me that much harder to build this amazing place that’s going to be able to help families like Jessica’s — not just families but individuals,” Rosychuk said.
“When we opened our doors it was a very bittersweet moment for our family. It took us a long time to get here but since we have been open, our rooms have been full pretty much every single day. So we know it was definitely needed.”
If you or a loved one is experiencing domestic violence, you can find a shelter in your area through Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters. You can also call the 24-hour hotline at 1-866-331-3933.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.