By Emily Kemp.
Catch one of the free events being held between April 15–21 and show your support by joining the march on Wednesday April 18.
The Revelstoke community has collaborated to hold a number of events during the Prevention of Violence Against Women Week from April 15 to 21.
The week will start off with a free screening of Girl Rising at the Roxy Theatre on Sunday early afternoon. This documentary follows nine girls from Haiti, Nepal, Ethiopia, India, Egypt, Peru, Cambodia, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan on their journey to education, with narration from big name actresses including Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett and Anne Hathaway.
Revelstoke Women’s Shelter Society’s Moving Forward program coordinator Sanja Radovic said she organised the free activities to promote unity and strength in the Revelstoke community.
“It’s to bring everyone together,” she said. “It’s not just for women, it’s for men and kids.
“I hope that the week is a good reflection on what we can achieve together as a community and that it will bring some healing and connection.”
One of the feel-good events includes a talk with local life coach and Balu Yoga owner Noelle Bovon. She will discuss Creating Connection versus Disconnection on Monday, April 15 from 4–5 p.m. at Balu Yoga.
“With the changing times in our world, for both men and women, how do we create connection and unity?” Noelle asks. “How do we come together and find ways to create positive change in our world?”
Later on Monday evening, Rana Nelson will hold a community input night for the Integrated Sexual Assault Response Protocol. Share your thoughts and ideas on how Revelstoke can prevent sexual assaults and help survivors. The event will run from 7–9 p.m. at Revelstoke Community Centre’s Macpherson Room.
There are two opportunities on Tuesday evening to get your body and mind stretched and relaxed with Revelution Yoga. The sessions from 5.30–6.30 p.m. and 7–8 p.m. are by donation and you can register by texting 778-898-1503.
On Wednesday 18 March, the main event for the week is the Prevention of Violence Against Women march. The Revelstoke Women Shelter Society (RWSS) is calling on the community to join them to help raise awareness.
In Revelstoke, RCMP attends domestic violence calls of varying degrees about once every two weeks. 25 domestic violence incidents were reported in Revelstoke in 2017. Last year RWSS received 182 crisis calls.
For the march, the community will gather at the flag in front of Revelstoke Secondary School at 11.15 a.m. From here local RCMP will escort the group to Grizzly Plaza, where the Revelstoke Aboriginal Friendship Society will provide snacks and refreshments.
Before or after the march, stop by The Green Moustache for a smoothie that’s good for your body and for the community. The cafe will donate 10 per cent of their profits to the Revelstoke Women’s Shelter Society on Wednesday April 18.
Towards the end of the week on Thursday April 19, take advantage of the beautiful setting at 112 Restaurant and Lounge and enjoy some Ladies’ Night specials. A portion of the sales from cosmopolitans and Shirley Temples will go towards the women’s shelter.
And lastly, don’t miss Jackie McDonald’s EFT (emotional freedom technique) workshop at Revelution Yoga & Fitness from 6–7.30 p.m. on Friday April 20. If you’ve ever been curious about this simple tapping method, hailed by the self-help industry and bloggers as life changing, then this is your chance. Jackie is offering a workshop in her specialty EFT techniques, focusing on unity, power and strength. The event is by donation.
About Revelstoke Women’s Shelter Society
For over 30 years, Forsythe House, established by the Revelstoke Women’s Shelter Society, has served as a place of temporary refuge and support for women and their children at risk of abuse.
The Revelstoke Women’s Shelter Society is staffed 24/7 and the crisis line is 250-837-1111.
