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To mark International Women's Day in March, Yellow Brick House is partnering with the Ontario Professional Hairstylist Association and Wella Canada for its EmpowerHER fundraising campaign in York Region and the GTA.
The campaign aims to raise $50,000 to support the operation of one bed in Yellow Brick House's shelters for an entire year, a news release said. During this campaign, participating beauty industry professionals have chosen to donate a percentage of their sales throughout March directly to Yellow Brick House.
In appreciation for their support, Yellow Brick House's public education team will provide participating beauty industry professionals with a webinar training on gender-based violence, how to respond to clients experiencing abuse, and the resources available to assist survivors in their community.
"After a long period of healing, the first place I trusted to go was the salon. I was greeted and supported by staff who understood and showed great compassion. Salons are on the frontline for women experiencing abuse. Instead of feeling torn between taking on a client’s problem or walking away, EmpowerHER provides another option—one that equips stylists with information." said Greer Brooks, editorial hair and makeup artist, survivor and advocate, in a news release.
From March 1 to 31, all donations made to Yellow Brick House will be matched by The Citrine Foundation of Canada—up to a total of $10,000. The funds raised during this campaign will cover the annual costs of operating a shelter bed, providing shelter and life-saving services for women and children fleeing domestic violence.
According to the Annual Femicide Report by the Ontario Association of Interval and Transitional Housing (OAITH) 62 women and children were lost due to gender-based violence in Ontario from Nov. 26, 2023 to Nov. 26, 2024. That is more than one life lost per week.
You can join Yellow Brick House in empowering survivors of gender-based violence by booking an appointment at a participating salon. To browse a list of participating enterprises in your area, or to register your business to join, visit empowerher.raiselysite.com.
For more information, call 905-709-0900 or visit yellowbrickhouse.org.
Since 1978, Yellow Brick House has been providing life-saving services and prevention programs to meet the diverse needs of individuals, families and communities impacted by violence. The organization is committed to providing a wide range of free and confidential support services to women and children experiencing abuse and violence and empowering them to transition to violence-free lives.