Wrapped In Courage returns despite COVID
By Cecilia Nasmith
Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre invites the community to stand united with women, and their children, who have experienced abuse this November as the annual Wrapped In Courage Campaign returns – this year with new virtual aspects due to COVID-19.
New this year, the community can show their support via their mobile phones. By texting the word COURAGE to 41010, individuals can make donations of $5 to $25. Every dollar raised will be distributed to participating women’s shelters across the province, supporting everything from residential services to crisis lines, counselling and transitional support, services for children and youth including community based and school-based counselling, advocacy, general systems navigation, and support groups.
And as always, the Wrapped In Courage campaign offers the opportunity to show your solidarity by purchasing and wearing purple products – scarves ($20), ties ($20), pet bandannas ($15), toques ($20), blankets ($25), mugs ($10), or blanket-and- mug bundles ($30) - through Just Brew It!, Justin’s Pet Store, Nourish Boutique Spa, and The Local Bloom.
Purchasing and wearing these products each November during Women Abuse Prevention Month shows women and their families who have experienced abuse that they do not stand alone.
This campaign was launched in 2013 by the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses to coincide with Women Abuse Prevention Month as a way to provide a symbol of the courage it takes for a woman to leave her abuser – though courage alone is often not enough.
“It takes the strength of an entire community to end violence against women,” Cornerstone executive director Nancy Johnston said in the press release.
“We are grateful for the tremendous support we receive across Northumberland County, but there is still much to be done. 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.”
The global pandemic upon us creates an opportunistic environment for such domestic stresses as job loss, increased financial strain, economic instability, housing insecurity, sheltering in place with abusers, and the list goes on. And the result too often is that the progress that has been made for women is reversed.
Ending family violence requires adequate supports for those impacted. In addition to providing a safe space to sleep, Cornerstone offers counselling, child-specific programming, safety planning, parenting workshops, outreach services, help in 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.
More than just a bed, Cornerstone is a place where women, children, and the community can turn when they are at their lowest point. When women and children impacted by violence feel isolated and alone, they can turn to Cornerstone to be heard, and supported into safety.
Proceeds from the sale of Wrapped In Courage products will help fund the vital programs and services Cornerstone provides. And organizers of the Wrapped In Courage campaign hope the people of Ontario will wear a purple product on November 25, the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women, to send out a message of support for women and their children impacted by family violence.
