Sistering Shelter Drive
Dear FMWC members,
COVID-19 has dramatically impacted all aspects of Canadian Society. However, as the virus spreads, we are witnessing the women of our societies bear the disproportionate burden. Data from the United Nations has demonstrated the gendered-effects of the virus, with women facing greater barriers to medical care, having less insurance coverage, receiving less necessary information about the virus, and experiencing greater mental and emotional health impacts. Mandatory stay-at-home measures across the country have been followed with shocking reports of increases in domestic violence rates - a Stats Canada study found that 1 in 10 women reported being very or extremely concerned about violence at home during the pandemic, and the Ontario Transition of Interval and Transition Houses - representing over 70 shelters across Ontario - reported over 20% of their shelters are receiving an increase in calls reporting domestic violence.
In light of these concerning trends, FMWC’s Gender-Based Violence Committee will be running a donation drive for the Sistering Shelter in Toronto from October 7 – 23rd; a shelter which provides support and resources to many at-risk women. We will be accepting the following monetary donations:
- Donations to through National Office, which will be used to purchase grocery gift cards
- Tim Hortons Cards ($5-10), which can be mailed to our National Office
- Grocery Gift cards, like No Frills, Metro, Fresh Co, Walmart ($25), which can be mailed to our National Office
- E-gift cards for grocery stores
Any donations you could make would be greatly appreciated to support the women who have been so negatively and disproportionately impacted by this pandemic.
Thank you in advance for your consideration, and please do not hesitate to reach out should you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Maria Leis (MD Candidate), Dr. Kathee Andrews & Dr. Anne Niec
Federation of Medical Women of Canada, Gender-Based Violence Committee