Shelwin House receives RBC donation

Shelwin House in Yorkton has received a $5,000 donation from RBC to help it weather the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Operated by Yorkton Women In Need Inc, Shelwin House is a shelter for women and children fleeing abusive relationships. All services, including temporary housing, supportive counseling, and basic living necessities are provided free of charge.

“Residents are most likely to come into the shelter not having personal protection equipment with them as many times they arrive with only the clothes they are wearing,” said Susan Furber, Executive Director, Shelwin House. “Thanks to this donation we’ll now be able to provide the items needed for our staff, residents and ex-residents to protect themselves.”

“We’re also going through cleaning supplies very quickly, and we want to produce some educational materials. About how to stay safe at home when home may not be safe,” added Furber.

Staff at the shelter also received an Olympic-sized motivational boost from one of Canada’s most passionate women’s rights advocates – slalom canoe racer Haley Daniels. Daniels is one of Canada’s top hopefuls heading into the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games.

“It was such a pleasant surprise and a boost for our staff to get Haley’s message ” said Furber. “When Haley heard about what we are going through due to the pandemic, she said she wanted to just say thanks for persevering.”

After years of lobbying to have women’s slalom canoe added to the Games, Daniels, who is from Calgary, is poised to be among the first to represent Canada at an Olympic games in her sport at the upcoming games in Tokyo.

“I’ve been an RBC sponsored Olympian for over a year now, and when I hear about the work the bank does with local women’s groups I’m always excited to help,” said Daniels. “The pandemic is difficult for all of us, but especially for women and children in dangerous situations at home. The work Shelwin House is doing in Yorkton is so important.”

The donation is one of six pandemic-related donations being made to similar organizations across the province, and continues a long-term commitment to women’s shelters in the region.