Local philanthropists Anne West and Jeff Burchill have pledged $100,000 to Bluewater Health’s Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Treatment Centre (SADVTC), the hospital announced this week.
“Investing in our community is of the utmost importance to Jeff and I, and when we learned that one in three women and one in eight men in Canada will experience sexual violence in their lifetime, we decided this should absolutely be a priority in our charitable giving,” said Anne West in a news release. “We are so fortunate to have a treatment centre in Sarnia-Lambton that provides safe and timely care during a highly traumatic period in a survivor’s journey.
“We hope that we can inspire and encourage others to donate to this essential space, too.”
Bluewater Health’s Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Treatment Centre is currently undergoing a relocation and redevelopment; the revitalization of the centre will allow for a more spacious design and provide a warm and comforting atmosphere for those accessing services, the hospital added.
“After intimate partner violence was declared an epidemic in Sarnia-Lambton just last year, spaces like Bluewater Health’s SADVTC are proving to be more vital than ever in providing care and support to survivors,” officials noted.
From now to end of August, the Burchills will generously match new contributions made to Bluewater Health’s SADVTC, up to $100,000.
The Bluewater Health Foundation is currently working towards a fundraising goal of $600,000 for the SADVTC redevelopment.
“Jeff and Anne’s substantial pledge will have a huge impact on survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and human trafficking in the Sarnia-Lambton community, and we are so grateful for their advocacy and generosity,” said Kathy Alexander, executive director, Bluewater Health Foundation.
“Everyone knows someone who has been impacted by sexual violence; when you make a gift to the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre, you are giving hope to those patients during their time of crisis, when it’s truly needed most.”