Community support for Genesis House has been unreal through the pandemic, according to Executive Director Ang Braun, with people donating who have never given before, and the grants available have been fantastic.

The organization recently received two significant donations for COVID support, $5,000 from RBC and $13,000 from the Emergency Community Support Fund. With many of Genesis House's yearly fundraisers having to be cancelled, Braun says these financial contributions mean a lot.

"It was humbling and amazing, because there is certainly a level of angst for us to figure out what tomorrow and next month are going to look like. Having to cancel a couple of fundraisers, you're left with a feeling of wondering how to make ends meet."

Although the loss of fundraisers hurts the women's shelter financially, the events serve two purposes; spreading awareness around domestic abuse, and the need for 24-hour service to women and children in crisis.

"As everything locked down, and our numbers got lower as well, it would be nice to think domestic violence went away. Unfortunately, it was locked down with everybody else," says Braun. "It's important to know this is a hidden type of problem families will have, and we need to be on top of reminding people this is happening and out there."

She adds it's equally vital to let those experiencing abuse know there are alternatives. There are places they can talk, navigate systems, even to vent about their situation.

Because of COVID restrictions, the ECSF will be used to pay a person to work in the kitchen. This is a first says Braun, and the individual will prepare meals for the day, breakfast and lunch, and prepackaging snacks as everything needs to be individually wrapped. The $5,000 from RBC will support the purchase of food, cleaning supplies and hygiene items.

For people wanting to aid Genesis House, they can visit the shelter's website to donate. Unfortunately, the shelter has had to cut down on volunteer positions, but Braun says those may come back in the fall. If anyone wants to learn more about the organization or want to become more involved, Genesis House holds their AGM in September, where they retire board members and bring new ones on.

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