Cythera Transition House Society is holding a gift card drive to help women and children fleeing domestic abuse.
Until Wednesday, Dec. 24, gift cards to local stores like Superstore, Walmart, No Frills, Save-On-Foods, and gas gift cards to any station are being collected by the society at the support centre, at 22768 119 Ave., in Maple Ridge.
“Many women and children fleeing abuse are also trapped by financial abuse, a silent but powerful obstacle,” explained program manager Nichole Olsen.
“Abusers often control access to money, limiting their victims’ ability to provide for themselves and their families. This means basic needs like food, clothing, and transportation become complex challenges. For many, this financial control is a barrier that keeps them from leaving dangerous situations,” added Olsen.
In 2023 the society received 846 crisis and support calls on their 24 hour support line. That same year 153 women and children stayed at the transition house where they had access to individual and group counselling services, and 287 women requested services for themselves and/or their children.
Gift cards provide women with the freedom, explained Olsen. Freedom to purchase essentials without fear of their abusers tracking their purchases.
And, added Olsen, these small but crucial items can make a life-changing difference, sometimes giving a woman the means to leave her abuser and start over.
“Gift cards are the most effective way we can offer flexible, immediate support to the women and children we serve,” she said, as they are the most practical way to meet urgent needs, while enable women to shop for most needed items.
“Every gift card donated helps a woman or child access the essentials they need to rebuild their life. Thank you for standing with us and showing your support for families in crisis this holiday season.”
For more information about the organization go to: https://www.cythera.ca/.
The website provides information on how to create a safety plan, identify a support network, what to pack if you have to leave your situation immediately, where to go, how to stay safe on the internet, who can help, and what to do if you think someone is being abused.
It also provides information on the programs they offer for women, youth, and children.
If you or someone you know needs help or are in a domestic abuse situation call 604-467-9966 to reach the transition house 24-hour support line, which is open seven days a week.
If you are in immediate danger call 911.