COLUMN: Beyond the Shelter – Community taking a stand: The power of giving back

One of the things that stands out about living and working in southeast Manitoba is how willing our community is to show up for one another. At Agape House, we see this generosity throughout the year. From individual donations to community fundraisers and business partnerships, the support we receive plays an important role in helping us provide services to individuals and families experiencing gender-based violence. As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of our community to help sustain our work. Financial donations, household items, gift cards, and other contributions help us respond to the needs of the people accessing our services. Every contribution, regardless of its size, helps us continue providing support to survivors as they work toward safety, stability, and independence.

Over the years, our community has supported Agape House through events such as our annual Purple Gala, community barbecues, walks, and awareness campaigns. These events bring people together around an important cause, helping raise funds while creating opportunities to talk about family violence and the resources available to those experiencing it. More recently, we have also seen an increase in third-party fundraisers, with local businesses choosing to support Agape House through events and initiatives of their own. Whether a business organizes a special promotion, dedicates proceeds from an event to our organization, or invites its customers to contribute, these efforts demonstrate a meaningful commitment to supporting survivors in our community. There is something particularly encouraging about seeing businesses take the initiative to organize their own fundraisers. It allows them to engage their employees and customers in a cause they care about, while helping extend awareness beyond the audiences we might otherwise reach. It also shows that supporting survivors does not have to look the same for everyone. Each business can find a way to contribute that reflects its own capacity, interests, and community connections. These partnerships are about more than the funds raised. They help bring conversations about gender-based violence into everyday spaces and remind people that supporting survivors is a shared community responsibility.

When a local business chooses to support Agape House, it helps send the message that family violence matters and that survivors deserve access to support without judgment. Of course, financial contributions are only one way to take a stand. Donations of needed items, volunteering, sharing information about our services, attending awareness events, and challenging victim-blaming attitudes are all meaningful ways to contribute. Businesses and community organizations can also help by sharing information about Agape House and ensuring that people know where to turn when they need support. As we continue our work throughout southeast Manitoba, we are reminded that we cannot do it alone. The generosity of our community helps make our work possible, and the growing involvement of local businesses creates new opportunities to reach people and build awareness. To everyone who has donated, organized a fundraiser, sponsored an event, volunteered, or shared our message, thank you. Your support makes a difference, and we are grateful to be part of a community that continues to show up for survivors. If you or your business is interested in supporting Agape House through a donation, partnership, or third-party fundraiser, we would love to hear from you. To learn more about our services or discuss ways to get involved, contact outreach@agapehouse.ca. If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, support is available by calling 204-346-0028 or texting 204-800-7799.

Lisa Fast is an outreach coordinator.

Agape House provides a safe space and 24/7 support to those experiencing domestic violence in Southeastern Manitoba. The local crisis line can be reached at 204-346-0028.