Photo credit: Archway Society for Domestic Peace

By Pete McIntyre

help victims of domestic violence

Archway Society turns to 50/50 to boost program funding

Dec 8, 2021 | 2:45 PM

A non-profit group that helps women and children flee violence is using a 50/50 draw to raise funds to support its programs.

The Archway Society for Domestic Peace provides support to domestic violence and sexual assault survivors in any way it can. That includes immediate shelter and safety, helping to navigate the justice system, free counselling and support for women, children and families, and assistance moving forward in their lives by securing stable housing, empowerment and life skills.

“There has been a lot written about the spike in cases and severity of domestic violence over the course of the past two years,” said Sherry Demetrick of the society. “At Archway Society for Domestic Peace we have seen first-hand the effects of this on women, children and families in our community.”

Like many non-profits, COVID has put the brakes on traditional fundraising activities, which for Archway meant cancelling its annual Little Black Dress Gala for the past two years. That led to the group looking at new ways to reach the community, with a 50/50 draw being tried this year.

Demetrick said they know this won’t replace Little Black Dress which she says was a much loved tradition.

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“However, we hope that the 50/50 will spur on some virtual fun, raise money for Archway Society programs and potentially bring some merry money into the pocket of the lucky winner of the 50/50 draw.”

The society, formerly known as the Vernon Women’s Transition Society, offers 17 programs to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault aimed at empowering women, children and families live with dignity and respect, free from domestic and sexual violence.

The 50/50 tickets will be sold until December 20 at 8 a.m., with a draw that afternoon.

Ticket options are one for $20 or three for $50 available at Archwaysociety.ca.The winner gets half of the money and the remaining half is for Archway Society.

For further information contact: Sherry Demetrick Sherry.d@archwaysociety.ca 250-558-7283.