June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Not the most fun sounding title for a day, but, with a fun and interactive environment, learning how to protect yourself and those you love can be.

For eleven years the BSG Coaltion to End Violence has been organizing their annual Seniors Kitchen Party in recognition of this day, or as they call it…WEAAD. Offering live music, a hot meal and interactive entertainment combined with many community display boards, seniors enjoy a fun day, filled with important information regarding services and tips to make aging easier and safer.

This year, gathered at the Royal Canadian Legion, seniors were pampered and treated to a delicious hot roast turkey dinner with cake for dessert. Keynote speaker, Nancy Power of Service Canada spoke of changes to the Old Age Security program and Death Benefits. Paula Woodfine and Cheryl Johnson from the YMCA got participants up and out of their chairs punching and moving to musical beats of oldies but goodies. Each were offered a complimentary session as a parting gift, thanks to the YMCA.

Not to sit idly when music is pumping through speakers, dancers from the Twilight 50+ Dancers Club in Port au Port, kick-started the dance thanks to the musical entertainment of local band Overflow.

During the afternoon event, participants were encouraged to browse the dozen community display boards each promoting their own programs and services offered to our aging citizens.

As the day came to a close, many stopped a moment to get capture the day with a photo. Dressing in silly hats, colorful boas and accessories many posed at the photo booth to reflect the smile they carried inside with all vowing to return again next time!

Each of the local coordinating committees under Violence Prevention Southwest host and organize their own WEAAD event.

To check out pictures of the day’s event, follow us  on Facebook!

In a world where technology and advancement has enabled us to send an instant message to someone across the country; check out our own groceries or attend a wedding without leaving our own home, how can we be so behind in basic human rights?

How can so many countries and individuals not believe in the simple truth? LOVE IS LOVE! Regardless of gender identification, assigned sex, or sexual preference we ALL should have simple right to love freely and who we want.

Today, over 70 countries around the world still criminalize same-sex relationships. Many LGBTQ+ people continue to experience severe human rights abuses and persecution in their home countries. Often fleeing from their countries and homes in search of freedom and justice all in the name of love.

May 17th is recognized by many countries as International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. A day aimed to raise awareness globally of LBGTQ+ rights, while encouraging change and inclusion.

Joining the worldwide celebration, members of Bay St. George Coalition to End Violence joined the Western Pride committee at the Town of Stephenville Office on Friday afternoon as Major Tom Rose read and signed a proclamation declaring IDAHOT a day to be celebrated and recognized in the small community. Mayor Rose spoke with pride how he feels proud of his community and his council’s commitment to ensuring Stephenville is a community known for inclusion and acceptance.

BSGCEV Chair Bernice Hancock, thanked the three dozen individuals gathered for their continued dedication to enticing and encouraging acceptance and change. However, she also added, that “While we have come a long way, there is still so much more that needs to be done.”

Following the proclamation signing, the group gathered outside as the Pride Flag was lifted to fly outside the town office.

In partnership with the Bay St. George Coalition to End Violence, NAWN (Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network, facilitated a one-day Cultural Sensitivity training to front-line service providers, post-secondary students, health and justice providers along with other governmental department and community organizations as part of the Violence Prevention Month activity and event line-up. 

Setting the pace for the day, participants enjoyed a traditional opening engaging in song, smudging and opening prayer. The morning’s agenda covered information on the indigenous heritage, a history of the oppression,  an awareness of the indigenous groups in our province and an overview of their history. During the afternoon, what was preconceived by the participants as a fun, interactive activity, soon turned emotional as, the Blanket Exercise, gave life to the challenges of the indigenous people and how they suffered at the hands of the “white” people and how resiliency is a huge part of their culture and proud heritage. 

Four narrators told the story of a once-happy people who were emotional and physically beat down, drove from their homelands, killed off by deadly infectious diseases and had their families torn apart as their children were “scooped” from them during the ‘Sixties Scoop.” For many, self-identified, indigenous people in the room, the interactive Blanket Exercise slowly gave an emotional indication of the plight and suffering of their ancestors.  As many tried to form their thoughts and feelings into words, raw emotions were evident. Words such as embarrassment, anger, heart-break and speechless were among those used to describe the feelings following the activity. 

Coming together in union, hand-in-hand the participants, following an emotional day, swayed and joined in song and prayer as the day’s training came to an end with many a promise to continue educating and advocating for respect for all people. As Kofi Annan said, “We may have different religions, different languages, different colors of skin, but we all belong to one human race.” 

Remember, during Violence Prevention Month, and every other month, be kind to each other; don’t judge until you have walked a mile in their shoes.

Another session will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2019. For more information contact 643-4563.