The Native Council of Prince Edward Island is holding the 3rd annual 24 hour vigil in aid of Grandmother’s House this week in their quest to continue to create awareness and understanding to combat homelessness on Prince Edward Island.
Grandmother’s House, officially opened in 2004, is the only women’s shelter in Charlottetown put in place to provide a safe, short term residence and assistance for women of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal decent.
Since opening in 2004, the shelter has offered over 6,200 bed nights to woman in need of shelter. It costs $652 a month to provide shelter to just one woman with an annual operational cost of close to $50,000.
 Today from 10:00 a.m. until Thursday, November 26, NCPEI staff, executive and members will take their sleeping bags and pillows to camp outside on the corner of University Avenue and Fitzroy Street “so others don’t have to.”
The event, called “Freezing for Warmth,” will also pay tribute to the International Day of Action for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Nov. 25.
“Freezing for Warmth” allows NCPEI the opportunity to create awareness of the issue and to reach out to those key players who are in a position to help” says president and Chief Jamie Gallant.
The P.E.I. Rape and Sexual Assault Centre will be supporting the Freezing for Warmth campaign this year, by leading a “Take Back the Night” march, beginning at 6:00 p.m. tonight. Persons wishing to participate in the march are asked to gather at the corner of Fitzroy and University at 5:45 p.m. Take Back the Night events have been organized internationally for decades, as a way to raise awareness and protest violence against women.
“I think that the Freezing for Warmth and Take Back the Night events both address concerns about the vulnerability many members of our community face,” says Sigrid Rolfe, co-ordinator of the Rape and Sexual Assault Centre. “For years women have been told to take precautions and being out alone at night. We believe that women should feel safe in their communities at all times without fear of assault. Without safe and affordable housing, women are even more vulnerable and at greater risk of harm.”
NCPEI staff, members and Executive will be participating in the march. There will be a fund-raising BBQ and bake sale from 11 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on location on November 25^h as well as visits from special guests and dignitaries throughout the day in support of this event.
An opening ceremony will be held at 12 noon, including a cheque presentation being made on behalf of the City of Charlottetown by Mayor Clifford Lee in the form of a grant for $7,500 in support of Grandmothers House.