On November 9, volunteers spent hours stuffing 5000 envelopes for Castlegar & District Community Services annual major fundraising campaign.
The target this season is $18,000, most of which will help to combat family violence and support community development services.
“Violence destroys families and destroys lives,” said CDCSS Board Chair Roberta Hamilton. “Community support helps us go beyond government funded services into the area of prevention.”
Dealing with violence is often after the fact, one-on-one, between a counsellor and a victim or perpetrator, to help them understand and control the causes of conflict. Unfortunately, violence may also involve the police, courts and penal system.
Effective prevention is a much cheaper option that must be applied globally and continuously rather than individually. Prevention includes drawing attention to the issue, even persuading people that it is an issue, and education.
To draw attention to the problem, CDCSS supports such actions as the annual Take Back the Night march, and the Clothesline Project, the latter displaying t-shirts decorated by children in the community.
Educational and supportive programs include the Parenting Groups, financed by contributions from the community. These help to develop improved parenting skills, which reduce the risk of family violence.
In addition, CDCSS assumed a leadership role in furthering the RCMP’s Community Prevention Education Continuum, and in addressing the issue of sexual exploitation of young girls.
Last year’s fundraising drive netted $7000, which went towards the Parenting Groups, resources for families, and Camp Esq. for boys presenting behavioural risks. Fourteen boys have joined community based activities and linked up with male mentors.
Letters and contribution forms will be going to every household in Castlegar and Robson, and recipients are asked to donate what they can during this season when they are bombarded with requests for money.
In addition, the community is invited to an Open House on Thursday, November 24, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the CDCSS office at 1007-2nd Street.
“Come and see who we are,” said Hamilton. “Check out our building, meet staff and volunteers, learn more about our services, and enjoy some family-friendly refreshments.”