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November is Family Violence Prevention Month, said Big Hill Haven Fund Development Officer Tara McFadden, and it marked the perfect time to raise awareness and launch the Hundred for the Haven fundraiser.
“We’re building awareness and making a difference in the lives of the families,” McFadden said.
The fundraiser officially launched on Nov. 1 with the goal to have 100 people commit to donating $100 a month for one year to the organization, she said, with the ultimate goal of raising $120,000.
“Sustainable funding is going to let us focus on being there for women and making sure we have the programs they need,” McFadden said.
The funds will help ensure Big Hill Haven will be able to add more housing options for clients, along with the bigger goal of purchasing a property that can serve as long-term housing for those in need.
“The Hundred for the Haven is really going to allow us to take that next step and make sure that we're there all the time when women need us,” McFadden said. “$100 a month is more possible for a lot of people than say $1,200 in one shot— For us to have that sustainable funding, to know what it looks, really allows us to focus on the next step in our growth.”
McFadden noted board member Allison Corneau has already committed to donating to Hundred for the Haven.
“I am so happy to be a part of Hundred for the Haven. Big Hill Haven’s approach to ending domestic violence in our community is making a difference and every contribution helps with this mission," Corneau said. "The opportunity to be a part of Hundred for the Haven is extra special as I know that each month. I am helping them provide critical services in the community I live in.”
It is a new chapter at Big Hill Haven thanks to the work of the board and support from the Cochrane and area community— The organization has been able to expand housing options over the last year providing 82 nights of housing and helping more than 60 clients.
“That’s super important because we’ve been able to really provide that secure housing situation,” McFadden said.
The funding they are hoping to raise will secure the organization's sustainability moving forward and will allow them to ensure they are there to help when a community member in need reaches out for aid.
“We can provide them the programs they need and the housing they need and the support they need to move on,” McFadden said.
Domestic abuse has been a growing concern during COVID-19 and Alberta has the third-highest rate of reported spousal violence in Canada, McFadden said. It was an epidemic before the pandemic and the tension and stress from the virus have only fuelled the number of people experiencing domestic violence.
It was a concerning time at Big Hill Haven because during the lockdown period clients became extremely quiet because there was not a safe way to engage with the organization and ask for help.
However, as the province has opened up again Big Hill Haven and other organizations are getting busier helping those experiencing domestic violence.
“Certainly what we’re hearing and seeing is that the violence is more intense and that’s terrible,” McFadden said. “They need to be able to help, but also that help needs to be deeper and broader than perhaps it needed to be last year.”
She said they are grateful for the community support Big Hill Haven has received and how Cochranites come together to provide financial donation as individual donors, sports groups, business owners or different sponsorships.
“People are stepping up to make a difference— This is just another one of the tools for the toolbox,” McFadden said.
Family violence and domestic violence supports are available through Big Hill Haven for those in the Cochrane and area community needing help. She added the organization is currently recruiting board members including secretary and treasurer and have space for general volunteers.
The resources offered by Big Hill Haven are free and confidential. Visit bighillhaven.com/ for more information.
