Shelwin House in Yorkton has received a $5,000 donation from RBC to help it weather the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Operated by Yorkton Women In Need Inc, Shelwin House is a shelter for women and children fleeing abusive relationships. All services, including temporary housing, supportive counseling, and basic living necessities are provided free of charge.
鈥淩esidents are most likely to come into the shelter not having personal protection equipment with them as many times they arrive with only the clothes they are wearing,鈥� said Susan Furber, Executive Director, Shelwin House. 鈥淭hanks to this donation we鈥檒l now be able to provide the items needed for our staff, residents and ex-residents to protect themselves.鈥�
鈥淲e鈥檙e also going through cleaning supplies very quickly, and we want to produce some educational materials. About how to stay safe at home when home may not be safe,鈥� added Furber.
Staff at the shelter also received an Olympic-sized motivational boost from one of Canada鈥檚 most passionate women鈥檚 rights advocates 鈥� slalom canoe racer Haley Daniels. Daniels is one of Canada鈥檚 top hopefuls heading into the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games.
鈥淚t was such a pleasant surprise and a boost for our staff to get Haley鈥檚 message 鈥� said Furber. 鈥淲hen Haley heard about what we are going through due to the pandemic, she said she wanted to just say thanks for persevering.鈥�
After years of lobbying to have women鈥檚 slalom canoe added to the Games, Daniels, who is from Calgary, is poised to be among the first to represent Canada at an Olympic games in her sport at the upcoming games in Tokyo.
鈥淚鈥檝e been an RBC sponsored Olympian for over a year now, and when I hear about the work the bank does with local women鈥檚 groups I鈥檓 always excited to help,鈥� said Daniels. 鈥淭he pandemic is difficult for all of us, but especially for women and children in dangerous situations at home. The work Shelwin House is doing in Yorkton is so important.鈥�
The donation is one of six pandemic-related donations being made to similar organizations across the province, and continues a long-term commitment to women鈥檚 shelters in the region.
