Bonnyville Family Services is a newly created program in conjunction with the Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre and the Bonnyville & District FCSS. November is Family Violence Prevention Month and they have several events planned to bring attention to the issue.
November 1st is Wear Purple Day province wide. “We are all going to be wearing purple to say we’re standing up and standing up and standing out against family violence, so that we can support those are experiencing family violence and reaching out for help.” says Community Support Worker Brenda Parsons. Family Services is also organizing a photo contest for schools in the Lakeland, where each class that sends a photo of everyone wearing purple gets entered into a draw for a pizza party.
The next day on the 2nd will feature Bonnyville’s first ever walk for peace. It starts at 12:30 at the youth centre, goes downtown and circles back to the centre. Afterwards will feature speakers as well as hot chocolate and cookies.
Thursday November 10th, will be the candle light vigil to remember those that have lost their lives to family violence as well as honouring survivors. Bonnyville’s will be held at the same time as Cold Lake’s at 7 o’clock.
November 13th to 19th is bullying awareness week, where students will sign pledges to stand up against bullying. Family Services will have several different displays in the schools all week long.
More is planned after November. Parsons says they’re working on Bonnyville’s first ever “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” walk in January, where men will take a stand against the issue by walking in red high heels. The Bonnyville Pontiacs are on-board and rumours are circulating that a certain local country radio station’s news reporter might be as well. Details remain unconfirmed however.
