When the Loft Eatery and Pub in Wellesley hosts its first-ever ‘Girl’s Nite Out’ Nov. 14, there’ll be some pampering for participants, and the chance to do good for those in need of some much more basic services: all proceeds from the evening will go to Wilmot-Wellesley Violence Prevention Program.
The evening will offer up a jewelry sale, tarot card reading, chair massages, wine tasting, mini-manicures and even firemen serving dinner.
There will be entertainment starting at 5 p.m., including local band ADHD (Ainslie and Doug’s Hyper-Drive) who will be playing light music from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, as well as an acoustic performance by Roger Joycey.
Faith Loft, one of the owners of The Loft Eatery, said the Wilmot-Wellesley Violence Prevention Program does great work, making it an ideal candidate for a donation. The organization provides individual and group support, counselling, safety planning, court assistance, lawyers and doctors, as well as general information about family violence to the region.
With the holiday season approaching, family tensions and struggles can often increase the need for the violence prevention programs, she explained.
“The next couple of months are typically tough for families. We thought that if we can be of some help in raising money and awareness towards that issue, we will.”
“The need for service in our area seems to be busy and growing,” said Karen Dymond, program coordinator at the Wilmot Family Resource Centre, one of the many health centres in the area promoting awareness during November, which is Family Violence Prevention Month.
Violence against women is so widespread that the World Health Organization has called it a global pandemic, with one in three women affected around the world.
“Our community is no different than other communities – it does happen here,” said Dymond. “Everyone has a role to play in helping to make our community inclusive and respectful and equal for all.”
And events like the Girls’ Nite Out only help the cause.
“We are thrilled that the Loft has chosen us as the beneficiary because it will really help our work in this area. It is important for us to talk about this in small towns and urban communities – just as much as it is in an urban centre,” said Dymond.
“We just thought it would be a lot of fun to get some girls together … and it just rolled from there,” said Loft.
For a $25 donation, visitors get to try out all of the scheduled activities, as well as a three-course meal that begins at 6 p.m. Except for the firemen and a couple of bartenders, the event will be an all-girls affair.
For information and support for victims of family violence, or for those who know of someone who might be in need of help, visit www.neighboursfriendsandfamilies.on.ca or call one of the phone numbers below.
Wilmot Family Resource Centre: 519-662-2731; Wellesley Community Health Centre: 519-656 9028, ext. 230; Woolwich Community Services: 519-669-5139; Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region: 1-877-419-1517.
