Community News

NEED FOR HELPING SURVIVORS OF ABUSE HAS GONE UP DURING PANDEMIC

back after abuse.

"They're starting out again. They're coming out of these situations where their self-esteem has really been knocked. For me, in my experience, when I was lucky enough to find the apartment I was moving in to Abuse Hurts helped me find things that would help me set up my home," she said.

Christine has young children and she was able to pick out clothes for them.

"I was able to pick up implements for the kitchen. Just basics that I lost when I left the abusive matrimonial home. It definitely helped me financially," she said.

It wasn't just about the items Christine could get, but the support she received.

"It was the kindness, the support. Going there is so welcoming. From my experience, I immediately felt the need and want to support the organization myself," Christine said.

Christine has retail and fashion experience and so gave back to Abuse Hurts when she was able.

Ellen Campbell, founder and CEO of Abuse Hurts, said Newmarket's Hope Boutique was doing well so the organization thought it would be a good idea to open a pop-up in Aurora.

"We thought it would be really good for people in Aurora to know about us as well. We're the best kept secret," Campbell said. "We thought this would be a great way to really let people know about Abuse Hurts, not only our boutique and of course it's a pop-up, but it's also to direct people to support our flagship store in Newmar

ket."

Abuse Hurts got the opportunity to use the space in Aurora for just over a month to see how things go.

Abuse Hurts supports organizations across York Region, including Yellow Brick House and agencies in Aurora.

The need for Abuse

Hurts services has gone up since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and donations are needed.

"We had a woman in the other day, she was lying on the floor, she didn't even have a bed and she has a child. So, we were able to immediately give her a cot. We're working on getting

her furniture, housewares, clothing. The immediate need is for women and children and sometimes men," Campbell said.

Abuse Hurts' impact is to fill an "increasing need," Campbell said.

"We need more donations. We're not a government organization. We do not receive any ongoing government funding because we also advocate for legislative reform," Campbell said.

The pop-up Hope Boutique presented by Abuse Hurts is located at the Royal Rose Gallery, 15210 Yonge St. For more information, go to abusehurts.ca.

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: Reporter Laura Broadley was told about the pop-up Hope Boutique opening in Aurora and wanted to find out how it was impacting the community. She interviewed a woman who had used Abuse Hurts services and Ellen Campbell, founder and CEO.

NEWS

en-ca

2022-05-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-05-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://communitynews.pressreader.com/article/281526524662941

Metroland Media Group Ltd.