WIN House is an organization that supports women experiencing domestic violence, and is always seeking donations and help from the community. Leslie Allen, executive director of WIN House, says the organization has experienced an influx of calls over the course of the pandemic and responds to an average of 2,400 helpline calls per year.
And March 8 marks International Women’s Day; Kingsway Mall is partnering with House of Curves Canada and Unite by TMK to host events in support of WIN House.
“It’s always great to have community partners highlight WIN House,” says Allen. “It’s a great opportunity to let people who are looking for a charity of choice and who want to help women have a good start understand the cause. Most of the time, women come in without anything.”
Allen says all donations are helpful whether they’re monetary, gift cards or household supplies. Most donations go towards creating help baskets that are given to women when they leave the shelter.
Kingsway Mall’s events in honour of International Women’s Day are free to attend, however, the mall is encouraging guests to bring donations for WIN House. The mall is hosting an inclusive fashion show on March 5 along with a Women’s Day market featuring over a dozen vendors.
Local artist Lauren Sanchez painted a mural in the mall for the global international Women’s Day #BreaktheBias photo challenge. Guests are encouraged to take photos in front of the wall and post them to Instagram with the hashtag #BreaktheBias. Kingsway Mall will donate $1 per photo to WIN House.
“At Kingsway, we are passionate about supporting organizations that have a direct and lasting impact on our community” says Susan Lovie, director and general manager of Kingsway Mall. “WIN House is a prime example of that, and we’re truly humbled by the work they do. They have been champions for women in our city for over five decades. We hope to connect them with our community through this event to raise awareness and help make a difference for those who are experiencing gender-based violence in Edmonton.”
Celebrate International Women’s Day at Kingsway Mall on March 5. The fashion show and market take place from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m in the common area between UNITE and Marshalls on the upper level.
