Planning underway for Festival of Peace

Crisis Centre helps approximately 1 woman per day

Planning is underway for the annual fundraiser for the Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre. The event, on November 26th,  helps the crisis centre maintain its operations and services throughout the year, which translates to approximately one women per day being helped directly through the centre, explains Resource Development Coordinator for the Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre, Serina Parsons.

Through the emergency shelter and second stage, Joie’s Phoenix House, approximately 335 women are helped by the Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre each year. That does not include the help line, which is active 24/7 for women in crisis to reach out and receive immediate assistance. The statistic also doesn’t include community support programs; such as A Better Way men’s and women’s groups.

“This year I am super excited about the theme. Honestly, just planning it is giving me goosebumps and thrills: Christmas under the Big Top!” Parsons says the event will have a circus theme with circus-esq performers. “Come out, get in touch with your inner child and really have some fun. We’re going to have circus entertainment,” along with circus entertainment, Parsons confirms the gala has booked Five on the Side, “they’re an excellent band that are very engaging.”

The event, which is the longest running gala in Cold Lake, serves as the annual fundraiser for the crisis centre. Money raised will be used to maintain operations and programming. As well as help expand programming, explains Parsons. “One thing that we are extremely proud of is our expansion to Bonnyville. We now have two community support workers in Bonnyville; that’s really allowing us to branch out our services and assist.” The community support workers in Bonnyville work one-on-one with woman and men. Programs like A Better Way and Empowering Woman re held in the community.

The centre is in the process of expanding even more in Cold Lake, with an outreach building. “It’s going to allow us to work more one-on-one with men and boys, in this area. We can’t prevent domestic violence without working with youth, men and boys, and doing that in an effective way.” The centre cannot take men or boys right now because the offices are in the same location as the emergency shelter. Parsons explains it’s the goal to have a separate office location to help assist with males. “which we would not be able to do without Festival of Peace.”

“Festival of Peace is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” Parson explains unlike government funding, money raised at the event is able to be spent were needed; rather than were designated. “We’re able to put those funds to use where we need it most and where we see the biggest need.”

Festival of Peace is not just a gala, it coincides with Domestic Violence Prevention Month, November, says Parsons. “During the month of November, we have our Walk of Peace, and a lot of other things to really create awareness of the issue of domestic violence and domestic violence within our community.”

The Festival of Peace starts on the Friday evening, November 25th, “after the parade, we partner with the City of Cold Lake and put on an event at the Energy Centre. Everybody is welcome to come back for hot chocolate, games and crafts, and pictures with Santa. There’s also a free skate.” The entire Friday evening is free, says Parsons, “that’s our way of saying thank you and giving back.”

The Saturday night is for the adults. Gala event starting at 6:00 pm with food from Joly’s Fine Cuisine. “We are extremely excited for what we have to offer this year!” To make the event more economically feasible,”we absolutely recognize the economy is not where it’s been. We want to make sure more people can come,” Parson says this year the price of a plate has been lowered to $75, with tables of 8 for $600.00.

Tickets to the event are on sale now. Silent or live auction items, as well as donations are welcome. If you would like to help, please contact Serina Parsons by email resourcedevelop@dmscc.ca or by calling 780-594-5095.