DRYDEN — To mark the 33rd anniversary of the Montreal Massacre and the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6, Unifor has once again donated $2,000 to Dryden's Hoshizaki House.
“It’s extremely important, especially the last couple through a pandemic, where most of us were not able to access resources in the communities, as well as, being separated from other support systems like family and friends. I think it’s vital an agency like this is able to be that hope for women and children that are in need and those situations where they are vulnerable,” said Unifor Local 324 President Katrina Peterson.
Hoshizaki House is a non-profit agency that serves communities in and around Dryden, Ignace, and Vermillion Bay by providing emergency shelter for abused women and their children.
In addition to the emergency shelter, the agency also provides additional support like mental health services, child and youth programs, family court support, and transitional housing programs.
Unifor Local 324 represents 20 members at Hoshizaki House.
"Unfortunately violence against women continues to afflict society now more ever exasperated by the last few years of the pandemic," Peterson said.
"It is imperative we all support Hoshizaki House and the life-saving role they provide for vulnerable women and children in the Dryden area. There is a growing awareness of the problem of domestic violence, but unfortunately, much work remains in keeping women and children safe from abuse.”
Peterson said the growing awareness of domestic violence on through various media outlets is prevalent; however, she also feels there is a responsibility to ensure that her union local is actively participating the in the conversation outside their regular bargaining duties.
“As a union and a local, we just have a responsibility, outside of our regular duties as a bargaining agent, to take care of our members and some of those members do access community services. We also are part of making sure that that awareness is out there as well,” Peterson said.
