Canada Postal Strike Creates Problems For Huron Women's Shelter's Annual Winter Direct Mail Campaign

by Bob Montgomery

Fund Development Coordinator Genelle Reid says the Winter Direct Mail campaign is their largest fundraiser of the year and it is critical in helping them sustain the services and support they provide to women, children, and youth across Huron County. She says they traditionally send out a direct campaign letter to their donor base through the mail system but they haven't been able to do that this year.

Reid says last year alone they provided shelter to 52 women and their children, they answered over two thousand crisis calls, and they supported 142 women through their counselling program and they'd like to be able to do that again this year.

Huron Women's Shelter is working every day to support children and youth who experience a different reality. These young lives, deeply impacted by violence, need a safe space to heal—and with the community's help, they can offer every child the chance of happiness they deserve this season.

They offer many options for children who need support to find their light again. Their one-on-one counselling program for children, offered both at their organization and within local schools, is one of their most in demand services. They meet children where they are, supporting them to process the abuse they’ve experienced and empowering them to move forward. They focus on developing healthy strategies to cope with their emotions and grounding techniques to regulate their bodies, while empowering them to express their needs and learn about healthy boundaries. These skills are essential for breaking the cycle of violence.

They will have children living in their emergency shelter and second-stage program over the holidays. While they aim to provide a festive experience, the reality is that these children need support all year long. And they rely on the generosity of donors to fund not only the festivities of the season, but the critical programs that help these children heal and thrive.

Donations can be made at their home page (www.huronwomensshelter.com), and a list of seasonal needs is also posted on the website. Cash and cheques can also be dropped off at the Shelter and they also encourage people to shop in town to get some of the items on that list so they help the Shelter and local merchants.