Local 105 team presents a donation cheque to Halton Women’s Place. From left to right, Kaitlin McKenna (Development Officer at Halton Women’s Place), Steve Fox (Local 105 Business Manager), Doug Dunham (Local 105 Business Representative), and Brendan Smyth (Local 105 Executive Board Member).
Local 105 understands the importance of improving the lives of people in crisis, despite the pandemic challenges. They continue to contribute to many terrific community support services, and the Halton Women’s Place is counted among them.
Brendan Smyth, an executive board member and steadfast supporter of this program shares his passion. “In addition to supporting women entering the trades, Local 105 takes their support a step further by helping women and children in crisis situations. Local 105 has proudly supported the Halton Women’s Place organization for six years.” Last week, Smyth was joined by Local 105 Business Manager, Steve Fox and Business Representative, Dough Dunham, to present the donation cheque to Kaitlin McKenna, Development Officer at Halton Women’s Place.
More than an Emergency Shelter
The important work that Halton Women’s Place performs includes; emergency shelter and crisis services for abused women and their dependent children; non-judgemental counselling for abused women and their dependent children; programs to empower; and most importantly, states Brendan, “the design and implementation to promote and provide public education to end violence against women and children and provide educational programs in schools.” Brendan believes that educating our youth is paramount, adding, “Educating our young people is vital to eliminate violence and sexual abuse in the future, and as well, to communicate the fact that women have rights and support is available to stand up to their abusers.”
Finding Ways Around COVID-19 Fundraising Barriers
Due to COVID-19 it was not possible to host the ever-popular event “Hope in High Heels”. This annual event invites men and boys to walk in women’s high heels to bring to the forefront the issues surrounding women in crisis situations. Undeterred the fundraising event continued but under manageable circumstances to keep people safe, everyone was asked to wear pink attire for the week of September 21 to 26, in lieu of wearing high heels.
In addition to the Local Union supporting this event, Smyth and his daughters initiated their own campaign by building miniature picnic tables for sale. Proceeds to the Halton Women’s Place generated close to $2,000.00.
Supporting Women’s Initiatives Within the Community
Along with their support for Halton Women’s Place, Local 105 supports other organizations with a focus on helping women. Organizations include the Hamilton YWCA, Interval House Hamilton and the Sexual Assault Centre, Hamilton and Area (SACHA). “Supporting women both inside and outside of the trade is a priority for Local 105,” said Steve Fox. “We take a lot of pride in helping these organizations provide the necessary supports . Everyone deserves to be safe, empowered and respected, whether in the workplace or the community. We want to be part of the solution.”
If you’re interested in learning more about Halton Women’s Place and donating to this organization, please visit https://haltonwomensplace.com/