I love the holiday season. The hustle and bustle, Christmas carols, lights, shopping (who doesn't love shopping), leave me filled with happiness and Christmas spirit. Our family and friends gather together, share in the Christmas spirit and show their appreciation and love for all that we are blessed with.
However, for many others the Christmas season can also be a time of violence and fear. Women who are victims of domestic violence often feel alone, afraid, segregated and ashamed. They flee their abusive partners in the dead of night, leaving behind their homes, possessions and extended family. They disappear into the darkness, children in tow, with nowhere to go, and they are alone.
In our community of Innisfail, this happens far too often.
When women flee domestic violence in Innisfail and surrounding areas they are forced to seek assistance, not in our community but in Red Deer. The Central Alberta Women's Emergency Shelter (CAWES) provides much needed safety for women and families who are fleeing domestic violence.
The shelter offers safe refuge, personal counselling and community support for families experiencing family violence. Every year, the service assists nearly 3,000 people who have made the brave step towards a life free from violence. There are thousands more in our community who still need this help. They could be your neighbours, your friends or your sister.
In 2012, I attended an event called Baskets of Hope for WIN House in Edmonton, a safe house in the capital city for women fleeing domestic violence. The Baskets of Hope event was created in the spirit of Christmas and Diwali, the annual Hindu festival of lights, and brought together women from all facets of life to help make the holidays special for women in need.
In 2013, I created the same Baskets of Hope event here in our community. The concept is simple: business leaders, friends, family and community members gather together and generously donate their time and money to create baskets for women at Central Alberta Women's Emergency Shelter. These lovingly prepared baskets include socks, towels, pictures frames, jewelry, nail polish, toiletries and perfume.
On Dec. 6 in Sylvan Lake, we held our third annual event, and created 52 baskets, which was a record. These baskets will be delivered this week to CAWES.
This small act provides comfort and hope for women who have made an incredible sacrifice to protect themselves and their children.
When women gather the strength to leave violent situations they no longer have access to the luxuries we take for granted. Through Baskets of Hope we strive to help them with these small items, a gesture we hope will help them feel valued and special.
And even if it is just for a moment, we want them to feel safe and loved.
I have always believed that we all have a role to play in keeping our communities safe, inclusive and kind. I hope that this small act encourages everyone to get involved where they can, learn more about the people in our communities and take the extra step to lend a hand up.
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!
Kerry Towle is the former MLA for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake and is now a private public relations consultant.
