The evening brought together some of
Canada's top female entrepreneurs
and cultural leaders including Margaret
Atwood, renowned poet, novelist, and activist; Joanna Griffiths, Founder & CEO of Knix Wear
Inc. and acclaimed journalist, producer, host, and survivor,
Anna Maria Tremonti.
Download Images here – Credit George
Pimentel Photography (Photographer: George
Pimentel)
TORONTO, April 18,
2024 /CNW/ - Shelter Movers, a national,
volunteer-powered charity that helps move individuals and families,
primarily women and children, fleeing abuse and gender-based
violence, hosted its inaugural fundraiser event, Close to
Home on April 16th,
raising over $900,000.
The event was marked by impactful moments, notably when keynote
speaker Amy Kaufman shared her
personal story of survival from intimate partner violence,
transforming her trauma into a catalyst for advocacy and support.
Additionally, panel moderator Anna Maria
Tremonti facilitated a thought-provoking discussion,
shedding light on the pervasive systemic barriers that perpetuate
cycles of coercive control and violence. Through these compelling
exchanges, the event fostered greater awareness, empathy, and
empowered survivors of intimate partner violence.
Highlights from the evening
include:
- The live auction and Fund a Need saw exciting
participation and raised over $260,000 (included in total).
- Shelter Movers Founder & CEO, Marc Hull-Jacquin, announced the 10th
Shelter Movers location in Winnipeg, which will open later this
year.
- Presenting Sponsor BMO, reflected on Shelter Movers'
purpose, acknowledging its clear mandate and mission.
- Co-Chairs Dr. Toni Zhong and
Emily Burnett reflected on the
collective power and impact women hold when working together.
"Together with Shelter Movers, we are boldly growing the good
to help women and children in Canada feel a little safer, a little stronger
and a little more confident when they are risking everything,"
said Amanda Moss, Head of
Community Giving Canada, BMO."
"You being here tonight is catalyzing the ripple effect of
positive change. We would like to thank all of you from the bottom
of our hearts for being here," said Co-Chairs Dr. Toni Zhong and Emily
Burnett. "
Generous sponsors for this year's event include: Bank of
Montreal (BMO), Shoppers
Foundation For Women's Health, Rogers Communications Inc. and
Mantella Corporation.
For more information on the organization or to make a donation,
please visit www.sheltermovers.com or
www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/100368 and follow @sheltermovers
on social media.
About Shelter Movers
Shelter Movers is a national, volunteer-powered charitable
organization that provides moving and storage services at no cost
to individuals and families fleeing abuse. It is the only service
of its kind offered in Canada. We
collaborate with local businesses and community agencies to support
people, primarily women and children, as they transition to a life
free of violence. Founded in 2016, Shelter Movers has grown
remarkably, expanding to 9 locations across Canada. To date, our team of dedicated
volunteers have completed more than 6,000 moves for survivors of
abuse.
SOURCE Shelter Movers