V-Day Oliver/Osoyoos is once again campaigning to end the violence against women and girls. The group is planning three events to raise the awareness, in addition to funds for Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre.
Photo contributed
On December 8the V-Day Oliver/Osoyoos group met again, with many exciting developments to report.
This group of volunteers have come together under the global umbrella of V-Day to advocate an end to violence against women and girls.
Last year the group staged two events, including a “One Billion Rising for Justice” celebration at Medici’s on February 14, as well as a production of “The Vagina Monologues.” It was a huge success, with a total of $7406.32 being raised; $6,665.69 of this went directly to Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre, and the remaining 10 percent went to the global branch of V-Day.
One Billion Rising for Justice will be held again early next year, with guest speakers, dancing, a video presentation, as well as the drawing of a raffle with some amazing prizes. Raffle tickets will be sold at local venues in the near future.
This event is a call to survivors to break the silence and release their stories – politically, spiritually, outrageously – through art, dance, marches, ritual, song, spoken word, testimonies and whatever way feels right.
This year, the group has also decided to host an art showing and wine reception in early April with the theme of “Metamorphosis.”
It is exciting to have the art show separate from the production in order to give more focus to the art itself, and also to have another opportunity to create a dialogue around the very serious social issue of violence against women and girls.
Another exciting development is the decision to stage a production of “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer.” This production has parts for both men and women, and the proceeds from all of the funds that are raised throughout this campaign will go to men’s programming at Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre, geared at helping to stop the violence.
There will be a casting call on the evenings of January 8-9 from 6-8 pm at the OIB Health Centre. Please contact Marji Basso at [email protected] or Aimee Grice at [email protected] for more information or to schedule an appointment to read.
One of the premises of V-Day is to be inclusive. There is truly a role for everyone who wants to contribute and help to make a difference. If you are interested in helping out or contributing to any of the three events, please contact Tiffany Beckedorf for more information at [email protected]. None of this would be possible without all of our fabulous volunteers and sponsors.
Tiffany Beckdorf
Special to the Chronicle
