Saturday night, the Minnewasta Golf and Country Club was the venue for the Genesis House 4th Annual Unmasked Gala.
Genesis House Executive Director Angela Braun said the theme was Ruby Red to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the organization that provides temporary shelter for women and children experiencing domestic violence.
The intimate event was sold out with 120 guests who were entertained and won prizes.
"We had Flame Syndicate. They performed and were absolutely amazing. For folks that don't know the Minnewasta Golf Course, this is their first outside (external organization rental) event. You are in for a treat when you finally visit this place. It is absolutely amazing."
A panel of three people, Journalist Peter Cantelon, son of a single mother, Morden's Community Mobilization Coordinator, Nicole Fehr (gave the perspective from her clients), and Refugee Joy Turay were on a panel answering questions about "home" with hostess Meagan Reimer.
Braun described the conversation.
"What does home mean to you? A lot of times, for most of us out in our area thankfully have homes and the refuge it provides. Tonight, our focus was on that, going along with the 'Ruby Red' 'There's no place like home.' (theme). Thinking about Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz, and how she desperately wanted to just be back home. We can all identify with that. There are times where you just wish you could blink your eyes and be home. And so, for the families Genesis House serves, that's a much more complicated idea. We talked about home and I'm hoping that really resonated with people."
It was said in the evening 85% women and children return to their homes. Big factors noted were a lack of support and a lack of affordable housing in the area. Genesis House has embarked on a goal to bring a 25-unit Transitional Housing Unit to Winkler to be near the existing residence to allow women to find a way to independent living.
Guests were excited to be in the golf course's new clubhouse and made it a memorable night, raising $28,000.
Braun said this is incredible and is much needed.
"Genesis House has had a wildly busy year. I think all of the shelters across the province have experienced the same thing after COVID. We are serving more people. We are serving them for longer periods of time, and so the funds raised from the event tonight will go straight into our regular operations, making sure that we can provide the adequate service that people need, and I will say that people's situations are becoming more and more complicated, so we are having to stretch a little further than we did before."
She recognized the hard work of her staff to put on such a beautiful night and shared her gratitude for the support.
"I think everyone knows without the support of community, our sponsors, the businesses that donate prizes, the community that comes out and spends their money with us here tonight, those are all choices and without that support we would be in a lot of trouble. So, I cannot say thank you enough."
November is Domestic Violence Awareness Month; Power of the PJs is the next fundraiser for Genesis House. Often women and children escape dangerous situations with nothing. PJs, comfy clothing, sock and slippers donations for adults and children can be dropped off at the Winker Branch of the South Central Regional Library.
