COLD LAKE – Stepping Stones Crisis Society is calling on Cold Lake residents and businesses to light up their homes and storefronts in purple this November, sending a visible message of support to people affected by family violence.

The organization is launching its Purple Porch Project as part of Family Violence Prevention Month, alongside a candlelight vigil, community awareness campaign and its annual Festival of Peace fundraiser.

Anita Gerwing, Community Outreach and Volunteer Specialist, and April Simard, Community Engagement and Events Manager, outlined the initiatives during Cold Lake City Council’s October 27 regular meeting.

The goal is to bring the community together, encourage conversations about family violence and remind survivors that support is available.

Purple Porch Project Encourages Community-Wide Support

The Purple Porch Project invites residents and businesses to display purple lights, decorations or other purple accents throughout November.

Purple is the colour associated with Family Violence Prevention Month and symbolizes courage, survival and hope.

Gerwing explained that the campaign is intended to create a visible show of solidarity across the community.

“We just want to sort of show … and let people know that they have support in the community and that people are aware about it,” Gerwing told council.

“And the more aware you are of things, the more you can change things, right?”

Simard emphasized that family violence often affects people whose experiences may not be visible to those around them.

“Seeing those purple lights, seeing banners, streamers, whatever you want to put on your porch, is really kind of the whole community coming together saying, ‘Hey, we support you. We don’t want this in our community and we’re a safe place,'” she said.

Purple light bulbs are available for a $10 donation through Stepping Stones Crisis Society, Orbiting Trends and Ella’s Closet.

Residents can also use their own purple lighting and share photos on social media using #ColdLakePurplePorchProject.

Candlelight Vigil and Walk Set for November 1

The society will begin Family Violence Prevention Month with a candlelight vigil and remembrance walk on Sunday, November 1.

The free event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Stepping Stones Crisis Society, where participants will gather before walking together and returning for a candlelight vigil.

The evening will include opportunities for people to share their experiences, read poetry and honour those whose lives have been affected by family violence.

Gerwing stressed that the event is open to everyone, not only those who have personally experienced violence.

“A lot of people have often felt like if I haven’t been directly affected, maybe I’m … an interloper there or something, but really it’s bringing community together to support and show support for people who have been affected by family violence,” she explained.

Refreshments and a light dinner will also be provided.

Awareness Campaign Highlights the Challenges Survivors Face

Throughout November, Stepping Stones will distribute educational posters across Cold Lake to help residents recognize family violence, understand its impacts and learn where to find support.

The posters feature messages including “Silence Does Not Make It Disappear,” “There’s No Excuse,” “What If It’s Closer Than You Think?” and “If Leaving Were That Simple.”

Each poster includes a QR code directing people to educational resources and information about available services.

Gerwing said one of the campaign’s objectives is to challenge the assumption that leaving an abusive relationship is straightforward.

“A lot of times people say, ‘Why don’t they just leave?’ Well, there’s so many things. It’s very complicated,” she told council.

She noted that children, financial limitations and employment circumstances can create additional barriers for someone trying to leave an abusive situation.

The society hopes the campaign will help people recognize those challenges and encourage anyone experiencing family violence to reach out for assistance.

Festival of Peace Returns November 28

The month will conclude with Stepping Stones Crisis Society’s annual Festival of Peace gala on Saturday, November 28.

This year’s event, titled Winter Glow: An Enchanted Night Under the Northern Skies, is the organization’s largest fundraiser.

Tickets are available for $125, with the evening bringing together supporters, sponsors and volunteers to raise awareness and support the society’s work.

Simard thanked Cold Lake City Council for its sponsorship and support of the organization’s initiatives.

The society also acknowledged the City’s proclamation recognizing November as Family Violence Prevention Month.

Mayor Bob Mattice thanked the representatives for their presentation and expressed appreciation for the work Stepping Stones does in the community.

Residents seeking more information about the Purple Porch Project, Family Violence Prevention Month or available support services can visit Stepping Stones Crisis Society’s website.