(Photo: Soroptimist International of Central Alberta)

By Soroptimist International of Central Alberta

cheques handed out

Vagina Monologues raises over $17,000 for local women’s initiatives

Jul 2, 2020 | 1:07 PM

On February 6 at Bo’s Bar and Stage, 21 local women hit the stage to perform the Vagina Monologues. These courageous women wowed us with their performances. Some stepped out of their comfort zones, they entertained us, made us laugh, made us cry, made us think.

Along with the sponsors and everyone who came, $17,200.00 was raised.

VDay Red Deer partnered with Soroptimist International of Central Alberta to distribute the funds out into the community – 100% of the proceeds go back into the community to help women affected by domestic and sexual violence, refugee women, incarcerated of formerly incarcerated women and women traditionally marginalized or made vulnerable to violence.

COVID-19 delayed our presentations but on June 25 we gathered to distribute the proceeds.

The Central Alberta Women’s Outreach Centre received funds for Julietta’s Place.

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The Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter received funds for the Women Connected Group.

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Centre received funds for the Adolescent Survivors Group.

The Elizabeth Fry Society received funds for the Women’s Empowerment Project.

And though they were unable to attend, the Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association will receive funds for their Domestic Violence Program and Trans and Non-Binary Aid Society will receive funds for their Educational presentations.

A ‘Live Your Dream’ award was presented on March 8 to Cheralee von Gunten, a single mom of four who is taking her Bachelor of Arts in English and Bachelor of Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies. A future Live Your Dream award will be granted next year as well to a woman who has escaped violence and is pursuing her dream of a post-secondary education for herself and her family.

We are so grateful for Melanie Willerth and Nicole Benjamin for bringing the Monologues back to Red Deer, and stay tuned for announcements for the auditions for the next cast!!!

We are also so pleased to say all of the feminine hygiene products we brought were given away to help girls and women.

(Submitted)