For Immediate Release – April 20, 2020

YWCA Shelters and Essential Services remain fully accessible to those in need.

YWCA Regina continues to operate Isabel Johnson Domestic Violence Shelter, My Aunt’s Place Shelter for Women and Families, and Kikinaw Residence to serve our women in need. All four children’s shelters are also still fully operational and actively serving vulnerable children. YWCA Regina Outreach services continue to provide support to those needing assistance in securing stable income, navigating supports, housing, and acquiring basic necessities like infant formula and menstrual supplies.

In order to protect the women and children, and provide opportunity for social distancing and isolation, YWCA Regina has acquired additional apartments within the city and is undergoing renovation within our existing spaces to build fully contained private suites.

As an additional measure of protection against the transmission of COVID-19, we have temporarily closed our main building at 1940 McIntyre Street to non-essential services and at this time are not accepting donations of clothing and household items, or hosting community partners in our rental spaces.

As we mark one month of public closure, it is of utmost importance that our community understand there is still a safe place to go in the face of domestic violence, crisis, and uncertainty.

To access YWCA Services, call our 24-hour number at 306-525-2141, or visit us in person at 1940 McIntyre Street and ring the buzzer at our front door.

In case of emergency, you can also call the Mobile Crisis Helpline at 306-757-0127.

During this difficult time, we are continuing to do as we have always done –  welcome the women and children of our community with open arms and provide safety and security to those in need of support.

For questions or comment on this release or YWCA Regina programs and services  contact:
Chelsey Lemke, Senior Director Development
306-529-3036
chelseyl@ywcaregina.com

• International Women’s Day 
• Here for Her – Joan Beanlands – Her Story
• Thanks to Casino Regina
• Tickets on sale for Nutrien YWCA Regina Women of Distinction Awards
• 120 Walkers enjoyed the Coldest Night of the Year 
• YWCA Regina in the community
• Childcare spaces available at Sally’s Place 
• One-day prenatal class starting soon
• National YWCA news

Link to March Newsletter

Nutrien YWCA Regina Women of Distinction Awards

December 6th, 2019 marks the 30th anniversary of the Montreal Massacre. Not an anniversary anyone really wants to celebrate, but a tragedy that we must never forget. Try to imagine yourself innocently walking to class while thinking about writing term finals, meeting your friend for a coffee, or going home soon for the holidays. No idea that what seemed like a day like any other, would instead be your last, and not knowing that your last day would be one of terror and violence.

On December 6th, 1989, a man entered the École Polytechnique de Montréal, separated the male and female engineering students, and shot the women. Thirteen students and one worker were murdered and thirteen others were wounded that day simply because they were women. This became known as the Montreal Massacre. This senseless act of targeted violence shook our country and led the Canadian Parliament to designate December 6th as The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women. Across Canada this day offers an opportunity to remember the promising young lives cut short and to work for a society free from gender-based violence.

On December 6th, YWCA Regina will hand out red roses in and around the Cornwall Centre between 10:30 and 11:00 a.m. in honour of the 14 women. In addition, we encourage people to attend other events open to the public. The University of Regina will commemorate the day in numerous ways including a vigil at noon in the Crush Space of the Riddell Centre organized by the Women’s Centre and the Regina’s Engineering Student Society. There will also be a Candle Light Vigil held at 7 p.m. at the United Way offices at 1440 Scarth Street organized by the Canadian Labour Congress, Saskatchewan Federation of Labour, SGEU and RDLC.

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women falls within the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence which began on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25th and ends with International Human Rights Day on December 10th. The theme of this year’s campaign in Canada is #OurActionsMatter. We all have a role to play to ensure that tragedies like the Montreal Massacre never happen again.

In Canada every six days a woman is killed by her intimate partner. The rate which Indigenous women are murdered is six times higher than non-Indigenous women. In Saskatchewan, we consistently have the highest rates of police reported incidents of intimate partner violence and sexual assaults amongst the provinces. Saskatchewan doubles the national average.

YWCA Regina is known for providing crisis services and supports for women and children and we also focus on community education. While great work is being done, we have a long way to go. YWCA Regina turns away more than 2000 women and children from our shelters each year. As YWCA continues to provide lifesaving supports and services, we must all advocate for the elimination of gender-based violence. Participating in The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Womenis a good place to start.