Lloydminster residents have more ways to support the Lloydminster Sexual Assault Services and their youth services this month.
Husky Truck Stop visitors can donate any amount of money and have their name written on a Bear Paw campaign sheet which will be displayed on the windows of the store. Derrit Daigle, owner of two Husky truck stops in Lloydminster, says while COVID-19 has been top of mind for many there are still several organizations within the community that need support.
“The COVID thing has been first and foremost in front and centre of everybody and all these other needs still exist. This is one we’ve chosen to do because we have a relationship with some of the people in the organization. It’s a great cause. We can’t support everything, but this is something that’s definitely needed in Lloydminster and surrounding area.”
The two have partnered for the campaign for several years. Daigle notes it was a former employee that brought the centre and their cause to his attention and helped organize the campaign.
“It’s one of those organizations that supports issues that not everyone talks about and is definitely necessary, maybe necessary even more with COVID. People are isolated, their mental health is strained because of some of the protocols we have to go through, so maybe it’s even more important this year to raise some awareness.”
Tammy-Lynn Adamson, LSAS Director of Advocacy and Engagement, says they did see a drop in activity during the early stages of the pandemic.
“It was quiet initially and I think that’s across the board for all child advocacy centres. The numbers has been less because children don’t have access to some of the safe people in their lives, but now that they’re back in school and they have those safe people, they may start disclosing more.”
Money raised during the campaign will go towards purchasing comfort items such as toys and blankets for the children and teenagers that go through their youth services.
“For teenagers, it might be some things we wouldn’t think of as toys like hair products or bluetooth speakers. It also goes towards snacks.”
Adamson adds the items and snacks helps children to open up about their family violence or sexual violence experiences. The Bear Paw campaign runs until the end of November. LSAS is also launching another fundraiser, Project Little Bear, on November 18.