Wrapped In Courage campaign starts Friday

By Cecilia Nasmith

Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre's annual Wrapped In Courage campaign returns Friday, a fundraiser that also offers members of the community a way to show their support of women and their children who have experienced abuse.

Each November, during Women Abuse Prevention Month, the Cobourg agency calls on the community to support an initiative that was launched in 2013 by the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses. The purple ties and outerwear on sale at that time symbolize the courage it takes for a woman to leave her abuser – and the acknowledgment that sometimes courage alone is not enough.

Cornerstone executive director Nancy Johnston said it takes the strength of an entire community to end violence against women.

“We are grateful for the tremendous support we receive across Northumberland County, but there is still much to be done,” Johnston said in the agency's press release.

“I am confident that, with the community's support, we can create a violence-free future and a place where hope can take root and grow.”

This work includes the supports to sustain a woman in her resolve to flee domestic violence, and that includes more than just a safe place to sleep at their shelter. Cornerstone also offers counselling, child-specific programming, safety planning, parenting workshops, outreach services, help with finding housing, and prevention and awareness programming. Cornerstone also works to assist and advocate for women and their children in navigating legal systems, immigration services, social services, child-protection services, health care and more.

While these supports offer much to women and children when they are at their lowest point, the press release noted, making that first step – walking through the door, placing that phone call – requires the most courage.

“As a survivor of many years of abuse, I can now speak openly and hope my words of courage can bridge the gap for others and break the silence on violence,” Cornerstone client Deb said in the press release.

“We all should be able to live free and safe of the devastating issue of family violence. There is hope and help for all who have been through or are going through this.”

Family violence is a community issue which requires community solutions. This November, the community can stand united with women and their children who have experienced abuse by purchasing a purple product to show them they do not stand alone, with proceeds helping to fund the vital programs and services Cornerstone provides.

Purple scarves and ties are available for $20, and there are two new products this year – pet bandannas for $15 and toques for $20.

Products can be purchased Nov. 1 through Dec. 6, and worn throughout the winter. Every purchase counts when it comes to the safety and well-being of Ontario's women and children.

Purchases can be made at Cornerstone, We Fix U locations in Cobourg and Port Hope, and at Just Brew It! and All Creatures Great and Small in Cobourg.

The Wrapped In Courage campaign also calls on all people in Ontario to wear a purple product Nov. 25, the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women.

For more information, contact Janelle Eisler at 905-372-1545 ext. 237 or jeisler@cornerstonenorthumberland.ca.