Saturday night the Unmasking Domestic Violence Gala in support of Genesis House (GH) took place with guests donning masks and Mardi Gras attire to take part in an intimate gathering filled with fun and entertainment.  

GH Executive Director Ang Braun described the evening held at Mulligan's in Winkler. 

"A fantastic meal to start with the guests here, they have enjoyed a wonderful night with a fantastic entertainment, contortionists and magician, music. A great auction all from support from the community, so we just can't thank them enough for the support. This event will raise over $20,000 for our agency. Honestly, without the community, I'm not sure where we'd be." 

This was the first public fundraising event held by the organization since 2019.  

When final tallies came in, Braun confirmed the night raised $26, 000 noting it will he;p meet their rising needs.  

"Everyone is in the same boat this year, as far as expenses. Everything has gone up, food has gone up, and that one of our largest expenses, actually food and transportation. And of course, both of those things are just skyrocketing right now, so this type of a fundraiser not only raises awareness, but very, very needed funds for our ongoing work."  

Executive Director Ang Braun and Event Facilitator Kari Kauenhofen Executive Director Ang Braun and Event Facilitator Kari Kauenhofen
 

Braun said the increased need over the last two years has brought increased costs. She noted it has been described as the "Shadow Pandemic" as room in shelters across the province have been full and guests are staying longer due to the housing shortage. 

"If we are not available 24 hours a day, people won't have a place to go. This lets us be able to be 24/7 as we need to be. There have been times in the last couple of years where I felt like I'm not sure if the 24/7 is..." she stopped the thought to ask the question, "What are we going to do with that third shift?' So, this just makes such a big difference to make sure that we are available, that we have someone on the other end of the phone, no matter when you phone, 24/7." 

She said the donations make a huge difference in the lives they are able to help.  

"People can't believe the amount of support coming from community. That people in community would be donating something to somebody they don't know. So, I think for the people that come through our doors and can feel that love, even though they don't know where in the community it's coming from, it just makes a world of difference. And when they start out, it takes a lot of courage to make these changes, and knowing there are people in their corner, in this community and right throughout our region, that are there to support them." 

The Power of the PJ's campaign is ending at the end of November, with supply lists and Christmas presents next on their fundraising priorities.  Follow them on social media to learn more about their work and how you can support them.