By Fall 2022, Shelter Movers Ottawa is on track to have completed over one thousand moves. That’s one thousand survivors who trusted us to help them flee from an abusive situation.
In most cases, reaching 1000 clients is cause for celebration. For us, it’s bittersweet. We’re proud that we’ve been able to make a difference in so many lives, but we’re also devastated by this number. It serves as a reminder for the prevalence of gender-based violence in our community and the need for change.
We’ve decided to honour this number in a way that brings our community together while working to make more change. For the first time since before the pandemic, we’re hosting our signature fundraiser event, “Moving Stories: An Immersive Experience”. We invite you to join us on September 29, 2022 from 5:30-8:30pm!
This special night will take place at 50 Sussex Drive. The beautiful two-storey modernist venue gives guests a panoramic view of the Ottawa River stretching across autumnal foliage. One look at the scenery and you’ll remember just how breathtaking of a city Ottawa truly is. (Don’t miss the opportunity to step out onto the terrace and capture gorgeous golden hour photos!)
The guest journey begins at the front door, where you’ll be greeted with a complimentary cocktail from the whimsical Bar From Afar cart. From here, we welcome you to explore the immersive gallery. Tour the “pods” dotted throughout the venue by tuning in with QR codes, engaging in activities, and interacting with live presenters. You’ll be guided through the story of Shelter Movers Ottawa, hearing the real perspectives of volunteers, community partners, and most importantly, survivors.
After you’ve immersed yourself in the exhibits, our host, Dahlia Kurtz (hear our recent interview with her on Sirius XM), will welcome everyone and we’ll commemorate our milestone with a powerful message from one of the survivors we’ve served.
Then it will be time to kick off the ‘fun’ of fundraising for our next thousand moves! You will be invited to join us upstairs for the loungey sights and sounds of the evening, including an even better view of the Gatineau Hills. Indulge in complementary wine and beer, a massive rustic charcuterie board table, and passed hors d’oeuvres.
A silent auction will be open throughout the event and accessible online. You’ll have the chance to bid on a wide range of items such as Chef’s Table experiences at Ottawa’s top restaurants, one of a kind artwork, local craft beer selections, and gift cards to your favourite retailers.
All of your contributions will directly support Shelter Movers Ottawa’s core operations, including our rural expansion. Several factors, including lack of services, increase the risk of intimate partner violence by 75% for rural women. A recent inquest into a triple-femicide in Renfrew County has brought more awareness to this pressing issue. This year, Shelter Movers Ottawa aims to address the high need for services in Ottawa and the surrounding rural communities.
We’re beyond excited for this event and the impact it will have on survivors. We hope you can join us for an evening to remember.