The SPARK Foundation is encouraging Lloydminster residents to get involved in Family Violence Prevention Month through a series of awareness, education and community events scheduled throughout November.
Paint the Town Purple: November 1-7
As part of Family Violence Prevention Month, the SPARK Foundation is encouraging residents and businesses to take part in its “Paint the Town Purple” campaign from Nov. 1 to 7. Purple is recognized as a symbol of courage, survival and hope for those affected by family violence, intimate partner violence and gender-based violence. Organizers say the initiative is intended to raise awareness, support survivors and promote conversations about preventing violence in the community.
Businesses can get involved by lighting their buildings or storefronts in purple, displaying Family Violence Prevention Month materials, decorating their workplaces, encouraging staff to wear purple, and sharing photos of their participation on social media with the hashtags:
- #PaintTheTownPurple
- #FamilyViolencePreventionMonth
- #Lloydminster
- #EndFamilyViolence
- #SupportSurvivors
- #SPARKFoundation
You may also email your photos to: patty.m@sparklloydminster.ca
The SPARK Foundation can also coordinate the delivery of your tent card for your workplace.
The non-profit says the campaign is an opportunity for the community to show support for survivors, honour those impacted by violence and reinforce the message that family violence is not acceptable.
Lunch presentation at Lloydminster Public Library – Nov. 2
The SPARK Foundation is inviting residents to learn more about programs and services available for women, children and families during a Library Lunch Presentation on Nov. 2 at the Lloydminster Public Library. The session will provide an overview of the organization’s work in the community, along with information on local supports available to those affected by family violence.
Topics will include the Emergency Shelter and Second Stage Housing Program, as well as the PATH, or Parenting After Trauma and Healing, program, which helps parents and caregivers better understand trauma and build healthy family relationships. Organizers say the presentation is an opportunity to learn about resources that help create safer, healthier futures for local families. Registration is required by Oct. 29. RSVP by email: pattym@sparklloydminster.ca.
Conversation on Elder Abuse – Nov. 9
It’s Not Right: Recognizing and Responding to Elder Abuse is a presentation planned for Nov. 9 at 1:00 p.m. in the SPARK Foundation’s Wellness Room, offering community members information on how to identify and respond to elder abuse. The session will explore warning signs of physical, emotional, financial and neglect-related abuse, challenge age-related stereotypes that can contribute to mistreatment, and provide practical ways friends, family members and neighbours can safely support older adults. Organizers say the session aims to help create a safer and more supportive community for seniors. Registration is required by Nov. 5. RSVP by email: pattym@sparklloydminster.ca.
Supports for students – Nov. 17
Students at Lakeland College will have an opportunity to learn more about available supports during an information booth on Nov. 17. Those who stop by can enter a draw for a gift card.
Coming Out on Your Terms – Nov. 25
The month concludes Nov. 25 with “Coming Out on Your Terms: Safety, Support and Self-Discovery,” a program for youth ages 12 to 18 at the Lloydminster Community Youth Centre. Registration for the event closes Nov. 18.
Organizers say the events are designed to raise awareness about family violence while providing education, support and resources for community members of all ages. Registration information for the programs is available through the SPARK Foundation of Lloydminster.
More details on the events are available online.
