Let There Be Peace On Earth:

THE BEST GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS ARE THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT: LOVE, KINDNESS, PEACE, PATIENCE, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, AND JOY.

Christmas at the Women's Centre can assume several different faces. The shelter can either be hectic and full to overflowing, or it can be eerily quiet and barely occupied. A woman living in an abusive relationship is faced with one of the hardest decisions at this time of the year. She must decide whether to stay for the sake of the children's enjoyment of the holiday and the impending visit of Santa Claus, weighing the risks of a violent disturbance during this time, or decide that it really is too dangerous, that the probability of an escalation of the violence is too high and seek emergency shelter. The Women's Centre is prepared for either eventuality. As always, over the holidays we are open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Christmas is a time of good will for the women who come here for shelter, and for those women who remain in their relationships while they strengthen the skills they need to keep themselves and their children safe,. Although the community takes care of the women and children here throughout the year, at Christmastime all the stops come out. The storage rooms bulge with donations of thoughtful gifts for the women, feasted for the holidays, and toys and clothing for the children. The staff and volunteers cut their way through reams of wrapping paper and bows for several weeks in advance, for that's how long it takes to prepare and organize everything for Santa's delivery. Christmas in the shelter confirms everyone's faith in our community, that Chatham-Kent recognizes their own good fortune and endeavor to share it with others. In addition to the private donations, I would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge the donations from corporations, service groups, trade unions, and of course from the religious community.

At this time of the year they conduct special collections, some of which is directed to our Adopt-a-Family Program administered by the Child and Youth Counsellors. Women who have left the shelter in the last year live a violence-free lifestyle, and who are existing on limited means, are eligible to apply for this program on behalf of their children. The children are suitably matched with individuals or organizations that are provided with a brief description of the child including age, gender and interests.
These "Secret Santas" endeavour to make this Christmas the best one ever. The identity of the child always remains confidential. However, donors do have the option of disclosing their identity, in case the recipients wish to send a personal thank-you. If you are interested in participating in this program, please contact Joy, Cindy or Terilyn, our Child and Youth Counsellors.

On behalf of the staff, board and volunteers of the Women's Centre, I would like to thank everyone for their continuing support and wish you all a very joyous and peaceful holiday season.

Karen Burgess
Fundraising Coordinator

Merry Christmas:
from Barb VanRoboys
Life Skills Counsellor

One of my responsibilities at the Women's Centre is giving Baskets to the women. I reap the rewards of your kind gift and I would like to pass on what all of you so richly deserve - the women's reactions and their thankfulness.

When a woman is presented with your gift I see eyes widen, big smiles, ooh's and aah's as they look at all the wonderful items. Most of the time I receive hugs and sometimes soothe tears of gratitude. Some are incredulous and state, "I didn't realize there were so many caring people in the Community". Most of these women have very few possessions and little finances to make a new start and they are very grateful for your gift.

Yes, there are many caring people in our community! Thank you all so very much.

A Little Thought:
from Helen Hanak
Part-time Counsellor

I wonder, if you have ever thought about how much your donations and thoughtful gestures mean to the women and children at the Chatham Kent Women's Centre? Many times the women at the Centre remark "how wonderful and thankful" they feel to the people of Chatham-Kent for showing how much they care about what happens to them.
Many people make donations to support a family trying to make a fresh start in life. If you would like to take a moment to write a note of encouragement to a family taking this step at making a new beginning into the unknown of a new world without abuse, we will give this note to our women who are discharging. Your note may be signed or kept confidential.

To some, Christmas is a time for giving; however, there are others that give all year round.

Donor Information:

Gifts come in many shapes and sizes. Gifts come to the Women's Centre in the form of food, clothing and household items, as time given to a Women's Centre activity, and as financial contributions. To all those who supported us through giving, please accept our sincere thanks and appreciation for your generosity and thoughtfulness. These gifts give hope and encouragement to the women we serve, and are a tangible demonstration of a caring community.

Right now, we have specific need for women's slippers, sizes large and extra large, with soles; also children's slippers, both girls and boys, sizes 4 - 8, with soles.

This Women's Centre Supporter Form is part of every newsletter, to give other individuals and groups the opportunity to assist us in our work to end violence against women.

I/We would like to be an Official Supporter of the CHATHAM KENT WOMEN'S CENTRE INC.. This financial contribution will show my/our commitment to the need for services to women and children in crisis.

GOLD SUPPORTER
12 monthly post-dated cheques for $25.00 each ($300.00)

SILVER SUPPORTER
12 monthly post-dated cheques for $10.00 each ($120.00)

BRONZE SUPPORTER ($50.00)

CARING SUPPORTER
A receipt will be issued for income tax purposes
Charitable Reg. No. 0534792-01-17
You can send donations to us at
PO Box 641, 20 Sandys St
Chatham, Ontario N7M 5K8

Please include the following information
Name:
Address:
Postal Code:
Telephone No.:
Date:

or contact us for more information
Voice: (519)354-6360
Fax: (519)354-6038
e-mail: shelter@ckwc.org

Thank you for caring!