A new fund has been established with the Battlefords and District Community Foundation to benefit the Battlefords and Area Sexual Assault Centre.
Income from the Peggy Westwood Fund will support programs that address the prevention of and healing from all types of sexual assault.
Peggy Westwood was instrumental in establishing the center over 30 years ago.
"I was hired in February 1980 for two months to develop the Battlefords and Area Rape Crisis Line, a 24 hour volunteer crisis line and a prevention and healing program," said Westwood.
"Never did I foresee that the services could evolvefrom my kitchen table to an independent office with professional counsellors and a 24-hour volunteer crisis line. It amazes me that in 33 years we could help so many people: boys and girls, teens and adults heal and live healthy lives."
The creation of this fund ensures that the work of the centre will continue, according to a foundation press release.
Community members can contribute to this fund and the annual income will help to support the work of the Battlefords and Area Sexual Assault Centre. Donations are put into a permanent endowment that will use only the annual income for the grant. The principal stays in the endowment forever.
Community foundations across Canada have been established to create endowments that will provide annual income to meet needs in the community. The Battlefords and District Community Foundation currently has a number of funds that will provide funding for a range of interests from the arts and health care to high school scholarships and recreation. The foundation website at www.bdcf.ca has complete information.
