The Central Alberta Women's Emergency Shelter (CAWES) has had a very busy time over the past year.

Rayann Toner, The Executive Director for the shelter, says that one of the biggest challenges with COVID-19 has been a lack of space. 

"During COVID-19 and the pandemic, the biggest challenge we have had has been around our facility and having a safe and viable space for everyone. It’s hard to maintain everyone having an independent bathroom, so we have increased our housekeeping and unfortunately we’ve had to limit some capacity in the building, just to ensure everyone is safe."

On average the shelter is helping 100 women and children per month, but once you include the crisis line, that number goes up to around 200 clients. Toner says COVID-19 has played a part in the number of people needing their services.

"In the first part of the pandemic, we did see that things were relatively quiet. There were many reasons for that including, when people are isolated at home, they’re not able to reach out to resources. Right now we are seeing an increase and unfortunately have to turn women and children away.”

If you are looking to help out the shelter one of the best ways to do so during the pandemic is to give gift cards.

"The best items are gift cards. Monetary donations are also always appreciated. We do fundraise for about $300,00 for operational needs every year. This is also used by our case management team that goes out into all the areas of Central Alberta. Even something like a gas card can be very important. When a women is leaving the shelter, she has absolutely nothing, so that $25 gift card could get her to a new town or a new location."

Another way you can help CAWES is with their first ever spring plant fundraiser which is on now. You can order your own  hanging baskets, patio planters, herbs, veggies, and more from your home.

Plants are a great way to encourage friends to get out into the garden while choosing to support CAWES’ efforts to help women and children heal from the devastation of family violence.

Proceeds are in support of the many programs and services CAWES provides throughout the Central Alberta Region.

For easy and convenient online orders, please visit cawomensemerg.growingsmilesfundraising.com.

Safe, in-person orders can also be made by contacting Roxanne at roxanne.kirton@cawes.com, or by phone at 403-352-4080. Plant sales will continue until March 31 at 5:00 pm. Plants will be available for pick-up May 27 or 28.

file photo courtesy of CAWES