Avalon in final week of crowdfunding campaign with 80 per cent of their goal raised for vital services for survivors.

Halifax – In the final week of its “Stand With Avalon” crowdfunding campaign the Avalon Sexual Assault Centre in Halifax has already raised 80 per cent of its $10,000 goal. Funds will help sustain Avalon’s critical intervention, support, and prevention services (available to Nova Scotians at no-cost).

Over the past three weeks, Avalon has ignited conversations in the community, spreading the message on social media and reached out to existing donors and corporate sponsors. Recently, Avalon received donations from organizations in Nova Scotia who have taken the initiative to fundraise on their behalf, including $3,000 from the Rotary Club of Dartmounth and $1,000 from a bridge club.

With only one week left, Avalon still needs to raise another $2,000 to meet its crowdfunding goal.

“Currently, there are 50 people on a waitlist for relational healing therapeutic counselling. On average, our waiting list can be four to six months with an extreme high of 15 months,” says Jackie Stevens, executive director at Avalon Centre.

The donations from the crowdfunding campaign will directly help people who have experienced sexualized violence/abuse get the help they need.

“We are seeking ways to secure sustainable multi-year funding in order to ensure we can keep addressing the multiple needs of people who access our services,” Stevens says. “We have heard from the community that they support Avalon Centre and believe victims and survivors. They want to help. That’s why we started the crowd fund – to get people involved.”

With the Ghomeshi case being dropped last week and Kathryn Borel’s empowered speech, survivors are standing up, speaking out and asking for support. In Halifax, Avalon is there to provide it.

“It’s amazing what can happen when someone has the support they need,” says Jackie Stevens. “When people have access to information and supports, they can make better and more informed decisions about their options.”

To donate to Avalon’s crowdfunding campaign, please visit www.youcaring.com/Avalon

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About Avalon Sexual Assault Centre
The Avalon Sexual Assault Centre is a feminist organization working to eliminate sexual assault/abuse, and to change the current socio-political culture that fosters sexism, social injustice and other forms of oppression.

Contact
Scott Lester
Crowd Funding Co-Coordinator
Avalon Sexual Assault Centre
t: (226) 821-5505
e: scott.lester92@gmail.com
www.avaloncentre.ca