LOCAL helpline, Help and Shelter, will be hosting its annual ‘Salute to Mothers’ fundraiser buffet brunch today on the lawns of the Georgetown Club, Camp Street, where the guest artiste is none other than our own Dave Martins and friends. The event kicks off at 10:00am sharp and is slated to go until 2:30pm. At $5000 a head, patrons are entitled to brunch, mimosa or fruit juice, and free corsages and fans for moms.
The entrance fee for children is $1000, and this covers brunch, face painting and other child-friendly activities.
According to a release issued by the organisation, eighteen years ago a group of concerned persons vowed that no-one in danger of being abused in their homes by their own loved ones should ever be alone and without refuge.
“Today,” it says, “we see the results of their vision: A shelter for abused women and their children; a crisis centre where anyone, male or female, who is a victim of or at risk of domestic violence can come for help and support; and most importantly, belief in their story, in their dignity, and their right to live free from fear and harm.”
The organisation however laments the fact that while it does receive significant funding from the government and a variety of other sources, their needs are so great, “the crucial financial gap continues to widen each year.”
In terms of statistics, it says that for last year alone, over 30 persons were violently killed by their partners, and even more were injured for life.