Tragically, Alberta has long had one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the country, with the problem certain to get worse during these challenging economic times.
Thank goodness then for the Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence- a second-stage shelter for women and their children who have fled domestic violence. The Centre offers a safe and secure environment. During their six-month stay at the centre, women and children are provided with programs and services in a supportive yet independent environment.
Brainchild of Dr. Barrie Strafford, the centre has helped scores of clients in its 20-year history. The native of Manchester, England, Strafford immigrated to Canada in the 1950s with his wife Brenda and the first of their four children. After Brenda’s tragic death in a motor vehicle accident in 1974, her widower began his 40-year quest as a philanthropist- donating time and treasure to myriad causes and overseeing his own through the Brenda Strafford Foundation- the centre’s umbrella organization.
Supporters of the centre gathered at Webster Galleries Mar 9 to raised funds for the centre and celebrate its 20th anniversary. That $52,000 was raised this night is wonderful news. Consider $25 will buy diapers and baby wipes for one week. Or that $250 will buy-for a woman in crisis-emergency assistance should she lose a phone or purse.
Among those in attendance this night were: Dr. Barrie Strafford; Brenda Strafford Society board chair Norma Jackson; executive director Eileen Bell with colleagues Sean French and Samuel Hayes; avid centre supporter Candice Pelletier; RBC Dominion Securities’ Erin Daniel and Leib Zeisler and his wife, Bettina Zeisler, past chair, Jewish Community Foundation; Herald colleague Val Fortney and her husband Robert Majamaa; Brooks and Dodd Consulting Inc.’s Tom Dodd; Mac’s Western Canada vice-president Bonnie Birollo with pals Chandra MacNeill and Tricia Deeprose; artist Kristen Carleton who created beautiful artworks for auction this night; Where Magazine’s Brian French; Dr. Stephen French; and Ward 6 Counc. Richard Pootmans who brought greetings and salutations to Dr. Strafford on behalf of the City of Calgary.
Pictured, from left, at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence held Mar 9 at Webster Galleries are Chandra MacNeill,Tricia Deeprose, Bonnie Birollo, Mac’s vice-president, Western Canada and artist Kristen Carleton. Mac’s is an invaluable supporter of the Society.
Striking a pose for the lens at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence held Mar 9 at Webster Galleries is artist Kristen Carleton. The event raised $52,000 thanks in part to the artwork Carleton created for auction this night.
Pictured, from left, at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence held Mar 9 at Webster Galleries are Bettina Zeisler, past chair, Jewish Community Foundation and her husband, Leib Zeisler, RBC Wealth Management vice-president and colleague Erin Daniel, associate advisor.
Herald columnist Val Fortney and her husband Robert Majamaa (left) and Brooks and Dodd Consulting’s Tom Dodd (right) were among those who attended the 20th anniversary celebration of the Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence held Mar 9 at Webster Galleries.
It was a family affair at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence held Mar 9 at Webster Galleries for brothers, from left, Brian French, Sean French and Dr. Stephen French.
Pictured at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence held Mar 9 at Webster Galleries are Samuel Hayes (left) and Ward 6 Counc. Richard Pootmans.
Pictured at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence held Mar 9 at Webster Galleries are Society executive director Eileen Bell (left) and avid supporter Candice Pelletier.
