Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I spent this past week raising issues related to family violence. Today I wanted to speak about V-Day.
V-Day is a global movement in over 140 countries to stop violence against women and girls by promoting creative events to increase awareness and raise money. In 2010, volunteers from around the world produced over 5,400 interactive V-Day events educating millions of people about the reality of violence against women and girls.
Mr. Speaker, in 11 years the V-Day movement has raised over $75 million worldwide and reached over 300 million people. V-Day North is the fourth V-Day North campaign. Every V-Day North benefit will donate 90 percent of its profits, split evenly amongst Alison McAteer House and the Centre for Northern Families. The remaining funds will go into the V-Day 2011 Women and Girls of Haiti Spotlight Campaign.
The Alison McAteer House provides a home for women and children who are experiencing violence. Women and children have access to counselling and other support mechanisms while there, and stays at this facility can last up to 6 weeks. The Centre for Northern Families provides an invaluable service as a temporary shelter for women in crisis, one-on-one counselling for clients and referrals to other helpful agencies in the community. The centre also runs a healthy baby club, a toddlers’ club and a walk-in clinic once a week. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to thank the staff and management of these facilities for all the great service that they provide to the residents here.
Mr. Speaker, events like V-Day are so very important to addressing incidents of family violence. Getting the message out there, educating people and overall awareness is paramount in curbing domestic violence in our Territory. The funds raised certainly will go to a great cause.
I’d like to encourage everyone to attend the planned fundraising events taking place over the next few weeks. I’d also like to thank the organizing committee and Ms. Nancy McNeil, the V-Day North coordinator, for providing the information to Members.
Mr. Speaker, I wish V-Day and V-Day North organizers all the best in their pursuit. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.
