Almost $65,000 raised for women facing intimate partner violence

 

 

By: Gerald Luciano, Manager, Fundraising and Communications | April 12, 2024

Abrigo Centre sponsors (photo), supporters and guests gathered on Saturday, March 2 for the first time post-pandemic to raise funds for the agency at our annual fundraising dinner. The event entitled Inspire, Elevate and Empower, presented by lead sponsor LiUNA Local 183, saw 260 guests, 28 corporate sponsors and more than 40 silent auction donors raise almost $65,000 for the 500 women Abrigo assists each year facing intimate partner violence.

Also, for the first time, our guests and sponsors traveled to the beautiful Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton for the event which honoured the International Women’s Day 2024 theme of “inspiring inclusion”.

“It was important for our agency to reconnect on a large scale with the community once again,” said Ed Graça, Abrigo’s Executive Director. “Since day one, some 34 years ago, our agency has supported women facing gender-based violence. What better way to raise funds for women in need than with an event that profiled the women in our community and their many achievements.”

 

 

 

 

This year Abrigo staff members had the pleasure to work with a dedicated event committee made up of friends and supporters of Abrigo. The group included community members AnaBela Taborda, Susy Henriques, Leila Monteiro Lins, Arnon Melo and was chaired by Lena Barreto who also serves as Chair of Abrigo’s Board of Directors.

“After a bit of a gap between major fundraising events, it was a pleasure to work with such a dedicated and enthusiastic group of individuals,” said Ms. Barreto (photo-center). “It was clear from early on that our team was driven to make this event a huge success. Because of their efforts we essentially doubled the number of corporate sponsors over previous years. To our sponsors, we can’t thank each one of you enough for your support. From all the feedback we received post-event, our guests can’t wait to come back next year!”

Abrigo’s Inspire, Elevate and Empower fundraising dinner featured a trio of talented artists, Stella Jurgen, Paula Anderson and Nisreen Askar (photo), each painting live during the event and later that evening their works were auctioned off to an eager group of bidders.

 

The evening also featured the music of Brazilian boss nova performer Luanda Jones who entertained guests during dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dave Murphy band featuring singer Laura Johansen who had the dance floor packed the entire evening with a string of Motown classics, 80 & 90s grooves and contemporary hits.

 

 

 

 

All the funds raised at the event will go directly to the programs and services supporting the growing number of women Abrigo sees each year dealing with abuse. That means the purchase of additional food vouchers, health and medical supplies and art supplies and items for our Women’s Group made up of survivors of abuse.

 

“The city of Toronto has declared intimate partner violence an epidemic and our agency has certainly seen a significant increase in the number of women arriving at our door experiencing abuse,” says Paula De Jesus, Abrigo’s Programs Manager and Counselling Supervisor.

“Not only is there an increase, clients are presenting with a level of complexity that we haven’t seen before,” reports Ms. De Jesus. “Food, income and housing insecurity are at the top of the list. Plus, if you add in the growing number of undocumented women we see, navigating the system to get them the help they need takes a significant amount of additional time and resources. I’m extremely proud of the tremendous work our counselling team does to keep up with the demand.”

2025 Abrigo Fundraising Dinner: March 22

For those who missed out on this year’s event, the date has been set for the 2025 Abrigo fundraising dinner. We are also happy to report that it will be returning to the fabulous Pearson Convention. Mark Saturday, March 22, 2025 on your calendars. We look forward to seeing you there!