Maison Interlude House (MIH) is thrilled to announce the start of its annual fundraising campaign. Like last year, the 2024 campaign will be based on the organization of a fundraising evening to be held on December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT US, CLICK HERE.
Maison Interlude House has now been in existence for over 40 years. When it was founded in 1983, the organization operated an emergency shelter for women victims of violence in the Prescott-Russell area. But over the years, the organization's mandate expanded. ” Today, in addition to welcoming women and their dependents in its Hawkesbury shelter, MIH offers outreach services via ten satellite offices in our region. Each year, MIH supports over 500 women through its outreach services in Prescott-Russell and SDG,” explains Muriel Lalonde, MIH Executive Director.
An Entertaining, yet Especially Important Evening
The event will take place at 5:30 p.m. on December 6 at the Bonnie Glen Pavilion in Alexandria. On the program: an excellent meal, a performance by artist Tara Shannon, a silent auction and raffles! Tickets, priced at $150 each, are now on sale. To reserve, simply visit the organization's website at www.minterludeh.ca. Cash donations are of course welcome and can be easily and securely processed on the MIH website.
The money raised during this fundraising campaign will be used to finance the development of the Second Stage Housing construction project, intended in part for women victims of violence. “For almost five years, MIH has wanted to build housing dedicated to our users following their stay in emergency shelters. The lack of affordable housing in the region forces our users to stay too long in our shelter because they can't find a new home. As a result, the shelter is too often at capacity, and we have to turn women away. Women whose lives may be in danger,” deplores Muriel Lalonde.
A Vital Project
Last year, 70 women and 33 children stayed at the shelter. Sadly, this is a sad record. Even more troubling, MIH had to turn away 72 women because the shelter was at capacity. Unfortunately, the Maison de 2e Étape project has no confirmation of funding, either from the provincial or federal governments. MIH therefore had to act alone to find a solution to the housing problem of its users. As a result, the organization will assume the cost of constructing an 35 unit building, 13 of which will be reserved for women victims of violence. The project will cost $12 million.
Grand Draw: Vacation to Win!
MIH is also organizing a grand draw to raise funds! By purchasing a ticket for $25, donors have the chance to win a $3,000 gift certificate for a vacation at the location of their choice. The second prize is a stay at the charming Laura's B&B in Alexandria!
Those interested in purchasing tickets can visit www.minterludeh.ca for full details. The draw is made possible by the Caisse Desjardins de l'Ontario, Marlin Travel Hawkesbury, Atlas Apex Roofing and Laura’s B&B.
A Committed Honorary Co-Chair
For this fundraising campaign, MIH is fortunate to be able to count on an honorary co-chair who takes the success of the event very much to heart. Made up of Russell councillor Lisa Deacon and South Glengarry mayor Lachlan McDonald, this male-female co-presidency is a testament to the importance attached to equality at MIH.
“Maison Interlude is a haven in our region for women and children fleeing violence. As co-chair of this year's campaign, I urge you to consider how you can be part of this movement. Each and every one of us can make a difference by donating, reaching out for help when we need it, and standing up against misogyny and violent behavior,” Lisa Deacon points out.
“I'm pleased to co-chair the fundraising campaign with Lisa because the health, safety and well-being of women and their children are essential to a thriving society. Every year, Maison Interlude welcomes over 50 women and children in crisis. It's important to support this organization, which is sadly sorely needed in our region,” concludes Mayor McDonald.
TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT US, CLICK HERE.
