International Women’s Day Charity Fundraiser March 2023

The International Women’s Day Charity Fundraiser 2022 event raised $3600 for The Sanctuary, a privately funded Gold Coast refuge for women, children and pets escaping domestic violence. Thank you to all of our supporters and guests who made the day truly special and hugely successful. 

On Wednesday March 8th 2023 we are raising funds for The Sanctuary again! Come along for a fabulous day out to celebrate women, call for equality, and support an incredibly worthy cause.

Proudly Sponsored by: Thrive on Therapy and Honey Digital

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity.

International Women’s Day has occurred globally since 1911, when it was first supported by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively. Come together to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and call for gender parity.

This year, join us at Hyde Paradiso for a fabulous day in celebration of International Women’s Day and raising money for local DV refuge, The Sanctuary. This privately funded refuge is for women, children and pets escaping domestic violence. The Sanctuary provides refuge, safety, education, nutrition, and case management counselling yet It has no Government funding and relies heavily on contributions from the community at large. All proceeds from the day will go to The Sanctuary.

Date: Wednesday 8^th of March, 2023

Time: 11am – 3pm

Venue: Hyde Paradiso, Level 2, Peppers Soul, 8 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Parking: Free for the day of the event, when you park under the Peppers Soul building.

Please do not drive if you plan to drink

We will have another wonderful panel of speakers, as well as prizes, and entertainment. Book your tickets now! https://empowerhouseonline.com/product/iwd

Your ticket includes:

• 4 hour drinks package including bubbles, white wine, red wine, rose, select bottled beers & ciders, all tap beers, soft drink & juices.
• Delicious meal with something for everyone
• Platters to finish
• Gorgeous gift bags for you to take home
• All the fun you can have in the Good Vibes Photobooth
• Support an incredible local women’s charity
• Meet new people and have a fabulous day out celebrating you!

The Speakers

To be announced shortly

The Charity

The Sanctuary provides refuge, safety, education, nutrition, and case management counselling yet It has no Government funding and relies heavily on contributions from the community at large.

Domestic Violence is a pattern of abusive behaviour in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.

Domestic  violence includes behaviour that is physically, sexually, emotionally, psychologically or economically abusive, threatening, coercive or aimed at controlling or dominating another person through fear.

Domestic violence, in all forms, is a violation of basic human rights. Everyone, regardless of their sex, religion, nationality, race, relationship, or living arrangements, has the right to feel safe, and be safe, in public and at home. Domestic violence must not be accepted or excused.

Saving Pet’s from Domestic Violence

Our pet’s offer us unconditional love and stability for a woman experiencing domestic violence this bond is often targeted by the abuser.

Pets are frequently caught up in the difficulty many people face in domestic violence situations when finding safe and affordable housing.

People love their pets like their children so all too often they are prepared to stay in a violent home to keep them safe. The Sanctuary allows them to escape with their pets by their side.

Unfortunately, pets caught up in domestic violence also became part of a control issue about who kept them. When domestic violence victims’ pets arrive at The Sanctuary, they join a mini-animal farm, which includes goats, chickens and exotic birds.

We take in clients’ cats and dogs, as well as guinea pigs, birds and other pets. Our clients have their own yards where they can keep their animals. Having their pets here, keeps our clients happy and not on antidepressants to treat the separation anxiety caused by being separated from their pets.

FAMILY PETS CAN EXPERIENCE SIMILAR ABUSE AS THEIR OWNERS

• Physical abuse, being beaten, kicked or thrown against a wall.
• Emotional abuse, intentionally tormenting, teasing or yelling at an animal.
• Intentional neglect such as withholding  food, water, human contact and shelter.

Please help us support these victims today!

Right now in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, there are many women and children who are not safe and desperately in need of help.

You can make a real difference to young children and women in need by making a donation, volunteering your time, being part of a workplace giving program, providing in-kind support, leaving a gift in your will and more.

We are a not-for-profit charity RETREAT FOR KIDS INC (registration number: CH2895)

We need your help

Your donation will go directly towards funding our domestic violence support programs and vital accommodation solutions.

Your gift will go a long way towards changing the lives of women and children who are desperately in need.

Thank you for helping us to create a better future.

$10 – Children’s comfort items
$20 – Essential underwear & hygiene products
$30 – Pets vaccinations, medication, food & comfort
$40 – A Mothers day/ Birthday gift for our treasured ladies.
$50 – Buys a meal for all occupants of the refuge
$100 – Pamper session for a woman such as facial, pedicure or nails

CURRENT MAJOR PROJECTS REQUIRING FUNDING.

Currently, we have a number of major projects required to be undertaken to achieve compliance with planning requirements and improve the facilities to enable us to deliver our essential services.  If you or a corporate partner are able to assist, the following are the projects:

• Family Unit 1 – The bathroom requires replacement with waterproofing and termite treatment of concrete penetrations. Estimated cost $4,700
• Family Unit 7 – We do not have facilities to accommodate a woman or child requiring wheelchair access, to comply with Government requirements and improve our service offering, this unit needs to be made wheelchair accessible. Estimated cost $25,000
• Landscaping and earth moving – much of the open space in the paddocks is not level and not usable for gardens and outdoor activities, with the area needing landscaping to improve the comfort of residents and improve their healing environment. Estimated cost $30,000
• Cover Children’s playground – The Children’s playground has no shade cover or protection from the elements. Estimated cost $22,000
• Replace Family Unit doors – the glass doors on the family units do not meet current building code requirements and must be replaced with impact resistant glass doors. Estimated cost $9,000
• Replace Family Units Roof and Weatherproof – the Family Units are not properly weather sealed and the roofing needs to be replaced. Estimated cost $10,000
• Community Kitchen – The current outdoor community bbq area needs to be replaced with a more hygienic “camp kitchen” for use of residents that is weatherproof. Estimated cost $7,000
• Decking around Family Units – The pet yards for 2 of the family Units are unstable and unsafe for pets, decking will resolve this. Estimated cost $15,000