International Women's Day- March 8

International Women's Day is coming up on Tuesday March 8, an annual global celebration of women and the fight for gender equality.

The first event of its kind was celebrated in 1911, since then, the day has grown to include thousands of activities and celebrations around the world. 

The theme of International Women's Day 2016 is #PledgeForParity.

While women continue to contribute socially, economically, culturally and politically, gender parity continues to be a struggle.

In addition to events taking place across Canada, men and women are invited to take an online pledge to help close the gap between the sexes.  

Click here to get more information about International Women's Day and how you can get involved. 

Okanagan Kids Care provides active fun & sound sleep to shelter clients

Thanks to the generosity of Okanagan Kids Care, children who use the services of Kelowna Women’s Shelter will have access to new bicycles, mattresses and playpens.

“Bikes represent fun, freedom, and fresh air, so much of what’s good about being a child,” points out executive director Karen Mason. “Cycling is also a healthy outdoor activity that children can participate in their whole lives. After a busy day that includes cycling, a child needs a good night’s sleep, and a good mattress is a great way to ensure the kids in our care get the rest they need and awake feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.”

Okanagan Kids Care donated $6,594 to the Kelowna Women's Shelter in February.

"The Okanagan Kids Care Fund Society is pleased to provide funding to the Kelowna Women's Shelter. The items purchased with these funds will enhance the quality of life of the children accessing the services of the Kelowna Women's Shelter," says Susan Patterson, Kids Care board member.

The Kelowna Women’s Shelter is in its 35th year serving the community. The Shelter provides emergency transitional housing, counselling and other support and education programs for women and their children who have experienced abuse. 

Thank you again, Okanagan Kids Care- we're lucky to have your support!

Pink Shirt Day- February 24th

The important Pink Shirt Day is coming up in just a few weeks, don't forget to wear your pink!

Pink Shirt Day is a day when everyone is encouraged to wear something pink to stand up to bullying in our schools, workplaces, communities and online. 

The original Pink Shirt Day was organized by two teenage boys in Nova Scotia who distributed 50 pink shirts after a fellow male student was bullied for wearing pink on the first day of school. Since then, Pink Shirt Day has become an anti-bullying movement recognized and celebrated worldwide.

This year's Pink Shirt Day takes place on Wednesday, February 24. So wear a pink shirt or pin and show your community you're standing up to bullying!

Proceeds from official Pink Shirt Day t-shirts, pins and buttons, as well as all donations, go directly to anti-bullying initiatives that directly help youth in need.

Find out more information about Pink Shirt Day, its history and related events here.

Diamond auction fights domestic abuse

If you're still looking for that perfect holiday gift, now is your chance to buy some stunning diamond jewellery while supporting the Kelowna Women's Shelter.

Premier Jewellery and Loans and KelownaNow are hosting a diamond auction this month with 100% of the proceeds going to the shelter. Up for grabs is a pair of 1.4 carat, white gold diamond earrings appraised at $8600.

"Within our work and personal lives, we've met women trapped in the chains of physical, emotional or financial abuse," said Martin Strasser of Premier Jewellery and Loans.

"Our pawn lending and jewellery buying service has helped many women, but we wanted to tackle this issue on a larger scale. The shelter is a good fit because it addresses many needs at once."

The generous community support will greatly benefit the shelter. Money raised will help provide food, clothing, counselling support and preventive education for women and their children who have experienced abuse.

The auction closes at noon on Monday, December 21st. You are welcome to visit Premier Jewellery and Loans to look at the earrings before bidding-- the store is located at #4-1980 Bredin Rd. in Kelowna.

So join the fight against domestic abuse and find a beautiful present in the process (even if you keep it for yourself!).

Click here to place a bid.

Busy Christmas season!

The hectic Christmas season is in full swing here at the shelter and we couldn't be happier! We've got lots going on in the next couple of weeks to help bring holiday cheer to some wonderful women and kids. 

On Monday, Dec. 7th we'll be wrapping hundreds of presents for the roughly 120 kids who have come through the shelter with their moms this past year. Thank you so much to Royal LePage Kelowna for your incredible generosity-- the kids will be so excited to get their gifts!

On Wednesday, Dec. 9th we'll host a fun (and rowdy!) Christmas party for the children and their mothers. There will be face-painting, cookie-decorating, crafts, pizza and a special appearance from Santa Claus.

Then the following Wednesday, Dec. 16th, it's a ladies-only Christmas party for 40 of the women who used the shelter's services this year. There will be dinner, prizes and karaoke. Thank you to the sponsor of that event, the Kelowna Sunrise Rotary Club.

Christmas can be a very difficult time for women who have escaped violence and, in many cases, left their homes. Community support is so important as we try to give these families a nice holiday season and help them get back on their feet.

Thank you for your time and your generosity.

End violence against women: 16 Days of Activism

This November and December, the UNiTE campaign is calling on people everywhere to 'Orange the World' for the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence. 

Nov. 25th was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women; Dec. 10 is Human Rights Day. For every day in between, the United Nations wants to emphasize the importance of individual and community activism to end violence with 16 Days of Activism.

There are activities and events taking place in over 70 countries around the world, from flash mobs to bike races, street marches to art exhibits and everything in between. We will post daily about activities, campaigns and inspiration on our Facebook page-- click here for more information.

One in three women worldwide have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence. During this 16 Days of Activism let's 'Orange the World' to raise awareness and inspire action. 

Women and Wine a huge success!

The 12th annual Women and Wine Open House was bigger and better than ever this year. Check out the picture below-- it was like that all day!

The event at Cedar Creek Estate Winery on Sunday, Nov. 22 was so packed that cars were parked up and down Lakeshore Road. The three buildings offered a selection of amazing local vendors, tasty treats and delicious wine.

The open house raised nearly $4000 and we returned with a van full of donations. Thank you to everyone who gave clothes, food and gift cards. We had a blast celebrating the season with you and appreciate the incredible support for the Kelowna Women's Shelter.

Women and Wine Open House

We have exciting news from our friends at Cedar Creek Estate Winery-- they've chosen us to be their charity of choice again at this year's Women and Wine Open House!

The 12th anniversary of the ladies-only event takes place Sunday, November 22 from 1-4 p.m.

Participants will get to enjoy complimentary wine tastings, delicious treats as well as artisan booths featuring local crafts and a raffle. You don't want to miss this!

You'll also receive 15% off wine on purchases of two bottles or more.

Admission is by donation to the Kelowna Women's Shelter.

Cedar Creek Estate Winery is located at 5445 Lakeshore Rd. For more information, call: 778-738-1027.

Thanks so much again, Cedar Creek. We can't wait to come enjoy a glass of wine with you!

Support the shelter at the Red Barn Artisan Market

Start your Christmas shopping early this weekend and support the Kelowna Women's Shelter at the Red Barn Artisan Market!

The holiday sale takes place this Saturday, November 7th from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. The market will be located at Okanagan Mission Hall at 4409 Lakeshore Road in Kelowna.


The free sale will showcase some of the region's best artisans and local crafts. There will also be a number of local non-profits providing information and kids' crafts.

The Kelowna Women's Shelter will have an awareness table, along with a free raffle and donation bin. We will also be giving out kids' activity books.

Visit the event's Facebook page here for more information. We're grateful for your continued support.

National Philanthropy Day Luncheon

We are getting ready to thank some of our most generous supporters at Kelowna's first annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon. 

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Okanagan Chapter is hosting the lunch at the Harvest Golf Club on Friday, Nov. 13. Tickets are $35 per person or $350 for a table of eight. 

The Kelowna Women's Shelter is looking forward to thanking a number of groups and individuals for their wonderful contributions to the shelter over the last several years.

Philanthropy is "the love of humankind," and National Philanthropy Day-- Nov. 15-- is the day that thousands of people around the world come together to put the word into  action and recognize the change that philanthropy has brought to our communities. In 2012, Canada officially recognized National Philanthropy Day permanently, setting a new model for countries around the globe.

The awards luncheon will honour and acknowledge outstanding achievements by individuals, foundations, corporations, fundraising volunteers and non-profit organizations who contribute their time, talents, financial support and other resources to our community.

Thank you in advance to all of our amazing supporters-- see you there!