By Spencer Sterritt

Fall fashion helps Nanaimo’s Haven Society help women in need

Sep 28, 2018 | 6:52 PM

NANAIMO — More women and families fleeing violence will be able to access the help they need thanks to a recent successful fundraiser.

Nearly $5,200 was raised for Nanaimo’s Haven Society, a non-profit organization who provide help and transitional housing to those fleeing violent or abusive relationships. The money came from an annual fashion show fundraiser hosted by the Woodgrove Shopping Centre.

Chantal Lambert with Haven Society told NanaimoNewsNOW the money comes at a time when their services are needed the most. They’ve seen a significant amount of women and families coming forward for help, nearly 5,000 people this year.

“A lot of it is because we’ve been able to expand our services,” she said.

This year, Haven Society has given more presentations about healthy relationships and violence prevention to more schools, while also increasing their drop-in hours at their location on Labieux Rd.

wood chips

Chipping fundraisers safely disposing of mid-Island Christmas trees

2h ago

POWERFUL POWERPLAY

Clippers pound Dogs to open 2025 on winning note

8h ago

wet-ish

'Exiting a long term drought:' slightly above average Nanaimo rainfall helping ease water concerns

16h ago

“The more we’re out there, the more awareness that’s in the community and the more people who are aware of our services, it increases our ability to provide services for the people who need it,” Lambert said.

Fundraising makes up 20 per cent of Haven Society’s operating dollars on an annual basis, with much of it coming from the community through events like the Woodgrove fashion show or smaller events like a beer-and-burger night.

“All of those events, no matter how small or how big, add up and really make a difference.”

The 2018 total is higher than what was raised in 2017, when $4,500 was donated to Haven Society.

A significant portion of the money from Woodgrove Shopping Centre came from their Style Team bookings, where a dedicated team of stylists provide customized shopping experiences.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit