The 2nd annual Men in Heels & Lunch on Wheels is fast approaching (Thursday, June 14, 2018 – see the the event page above for details). It’s a fun, spirited and colourful lunchtime fundraiser but with a serious and critically important purpose: to unite as a community to end sexual and physical violence against women and to ensure those who have been victimized can get help.
Events like this have been held in the past – in cities and towns all over the world, including in Oxford County – but their significance has arguably never been greater than right now. Why? Because something in our society has started to shift. The #MeToo movement has encouraged more women to break their silence and speak up about assault, harassment, intimidation and bullying.
This incredible and long-overdue power shift has been felt by those of us who work in the domestic abuse and homelessness fields. DASO has seen an increase in crisis calls and in women seeking services, especially community-based counselling. But the increased demand for services is also a concern for us as government funding has been static for years.
That is why fundraised dollars are always desperately needed and why money raised from Men in Heels is particularly critical: all pledges and donations are directed to our acclaimed sexual assault counselling programs and related services for women who have suffered physical and/or sexual violence and who need help to heal and reclaim their lives. We know that there are many “good charitable causes” and that donors receive requests from lots of charities. We are honoured that so many supporters have picked DASO to be the recipient of their charitable giving.
Please join this remarkable team of supporters! Visit the event page or our Facebook page (Domestic Abuse Services Oxford) to find out how you can participate and help. And please share this with your friends. It will take all of us, working together, to make sure the shifts initiated by the #MeToo movement result in lasting positive change.
Rhonda Hendel
Executive Director,
Domestic Abuse Services Oxford
