TIMMINS - Plans are underway to celebrate International Women's day.
The annual event is on Saturday, March 8, but some local groups will be marking it a day early.
On March 7, the annual chocolate rose campaign is back in Timmins. It's being put on by the Timmins and Area Women in Crisis (TAWC) and Ellevive.
“Now, more than ever, we need to celebrate and recognize the resilience and contributions of women,” said Julie Nobert-DeMarchi, TAWC executive director, in a news release.
“Our communities have consistently supported this campaign, and we are grateful for the opportunity to connect with women through this symbolic gesture. Staff and volunteers from violence against women’s service providers will be out in the community, identifiable by their purple scarves, which represent the global movement to eliminate abuse and violence. The chocolate roses are a reminder that violence against women affects everyone and that we all have a role to play in creating change.”
To kick off the day, there is a proclamation at 9:45 a.m. at city hall. After that, staff and volunteers will be out around town delivering chocolate roses to women.
The campaign was inspired by the women who marched through New York City in 1908 to demand shorter work hours, better pay, voting rights and ending child labour. Their slogan was 'bread and roses'.
Support services are available for women in an abusive situation. Trained workers are available for emotional support and practical help 24/7. In Timmins, the services are:
- Sexual assault centres
- Timmins and Area Women in Crisis, 1-877-268-8380
- Ellevive, 1-888-360-5657
- Women's shelters
- Ellevive, 1-877-748-8452
- H.E.R. Place, 1-855-827-7233