#FUNDRAISING: ERNESTINE’S WOMEN’S SHELTER DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH INITIATIVES

November marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness, spark dialogue, and take action against all forms of gender-based violence. Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter, a Toronto-based organization providing inclusive, trauma-informed shelter and community supports for survivors, is calling on everyone to join the movement to raise awareness and build safer communities for all.

Since 1983, Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter has been a lifeline for individuals and families escaping abuse. Originally founded as a women’s shelter, Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter has grown into an inclusive space that supports people of all gender identities affected by violence, offering safety, counselling, and empowerment programs designed to help survivors heal and rebuild their lives.

“Domestic Violence Awareness Month reminds us that safety is a right for every survivor. Every survivor, regardless of gender, background, or identity, deserves compassion, dignity, and access to support,” says Laverne Blake, Interim Executive Director of Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter.

Domestic and gender-based violence remain critical public health and social justice issues across the country.

According to Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter, 44% of women and 60% of queer, trans and gender-diverse people have experienced gender-based violence. Statistics Canada’s Family Violence in Canada reports (2022–2024) show a continued rise in police-reported intimate partner violence and increased demand for shelter services. The 2023 Statistical Profile noted a 2% increase in 2022, with shelters reporting high occupancy and longer stays since the pandemic, underscoring the ongoing need for safe, accessible supports for survivors.

These challenges highlight the urgent need for organizations like Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter, which provide inclusive, intersectional services that recognize and respond to the diverse experiences of survivors.

Flood Recovery Efforts at Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter
This fall, Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter faced an unexpected crisis of its own after a severe flood caused extensive water and mould damage throughout the facility. Several key program spaces, including the Child & Youth Program Room, Homework & Computer Lab, and counselling offices, were affected, resulting in temporary closures and a critical loss of services for residents.

“Every wall we open reveals more damage, and with it, a greater risk of losing the very spaces that help families heal,” says Laverne Blake, Interim Executive Director. “These programs aren’t extras — they are lifelines.”

The total cost of remediation and infrastructure repairs is estimated at $250,000, and Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter has launched an emergency fundraising appeal to ensure essential spaces can reopen safely.

To contribute to the Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter Emergency Flood Relief Fund, please visit: www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/ernestines-womens-shelter/campaign/shelter-repairs

Every donation helps restore critical programs and ensures that survivors of gender-based violence continue to have a safe place to heal and rebuild.

Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter’s Impact
Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter has helped more than 15,000 survivors rebuild their lives since 1983, providing safe shelter, wraparound care, and compassionate, judgment-free support. In the past year, the organization has delivered emergency shelter, counselling, legal advocacy, and housing support to individuals and families across Toronto, while engaging youth and community partners in prevention and education. Through its trauma-informed approach, Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter continues to be a pillar of safety and empowerment for survivors of gender-based violence.

Get Involved
This November, Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter invites the community to:
-Donate to support emergency programs and shelter repairs.
-Wear purple to show solidarity with survivors.
-Speak out — because awareness leads to action, and action saves lives.

To learn more or get involved, visit [www.ernestines.ca] or follow @ernestinesws on social media.

#FOOD: ARIANNA PRESENTS HALLOWEEN GRAND MASQUERADE BALL WITH PROCEEDS TO ERNESTINE’S WOMEN’S SHELTER — EVENT POSTPONED

NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED. NEW DATE TBD.

Arianna, at Harbour Sixty, announced today that they will be hosting an inaugural Halloween Grand Masquerade Ball THIS FRIDAY, October 31, 2025, at 60 Harbour St. Guests can expect an over-the-top soiree that will define epic festivities in the city. Think Bridgerton meets Phantom of the Opera with masquerade masks, regal attire, food fit for royalty, dancing until the early hours of the morning and mystical surprises waiting to be revealed. Tickets will be two-tiered: The Grand Package ($300 including tax and gratuity) includes dinner at Harbour Sixty (second floor) at 6:00 pm and early entry to the ball at Arianna (fourth floor) at 7:45 pm. The Phantom Package ($150 including tax and gratuity) gives entry to the ball at Arianna at 8:00 pm. A portion of the proceeds will go to Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter. Tickets can be purchased HERE under the experiences tab.

Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter is a Toronto charity that provides safety and support for survivors of gender-based violence. This partnership comes at a critical time, as a recent flood caused severe damage to the shelter, leaving it in need of $250,000 in repairs. Special guests from Ernestine’s will be in attendance, including board member Sally Leung (seen above) and Executive Director Laverne Blake.

“Their unwavering commitment to providing safety and support to survivors of gender-based violence inspires us, and we hope this event helps raise awareness and meaningful funds toward rebuilding their shelter and continuing their incredible work,” says Eva Toros, Executive General Manager at Harbour Sixty.
The evening promises to be an elegant affair: Guests who are partaking in the dinner at Harbour Sixty will enjoy a three-course set menu with bubbly. The feast is specially curated by Harbour Sixty’s Executive Chef Solomon Mason.

The Masquerade Grand Ball portion of the evening will follow, with guests being greeted with a complimentary TOKI welcome cocktail made with House of Suntory Toki whisky designed by Arianna’s bar team. Discerning palates will be tantalized with canapés throughout the evening by Arianna’s Chef de Cuisine Scott MacKenzie.

The evening will then continue with a brief group ballroom dance lesson provided by renowned dance instructor Stefan Topalov of The Ballroom Club, providing an elegant introduction before the full celebration unfolds. Envision Arianna’s amethyst-coloured fiery stone setting the room aglow, as guests move gracefully across the dance floor in regal attire. The evening will then shift into an electric atmosphere as the DJ takes over, filling the room with contemporary hits that will keep guests dancing late into the night.

In keeping with the event’s theme, Arianna has partnered with The Fitzroy (Canada’s leading dress rental service) and Tuxedo Junction (premier provider of bespoke men’s formalwear) for an exclusive discount* for all ticket holders.

*The promo codes will be provided upon ticket purchase. The Fitzroy is located at 213 Sterling Road. The promo code is valid exclusively at Tuxedo Junction’s locations at 25 The West Mall in Etobicoke and 200 Towers Road in Vaughan.

Event Details
The Grand Package (dinner and dance) – $300, including tax and gratuity, includes:
-Dinner at Harbour Sixty, 6 pm- 7:45 pm, three-course menu by Executive Chef Solomon Mason.
-VIP early access to the Halloween Grand Masquerade Ball at Arianna, 7:45 pm – 2 am. (Regular ticket holders will have access at 8 pm)
-Complimentary canapés by Arianna’s Chef de Cuisine Scott MacKenzie and a complimentary welcome cocktail
-Dance Lesson

The Phantom Package (dance only) – $150 including tax and gratuity includes:
-Complimentary canapés by Arianna’s Chef de Cuisine Scott MacKenzie and a complimentary welcome cocktail
-ntry to the Halloween Grand Masquerade Ball at Arianna at 8:00 pm
-Dance Lesson
-The regular beverage menu will be available throughout the evening at an additional cost.

Date: Friday, October 31, 2025
Address: Arianna, 60 Harbour Street, 4th Floor, Toronto
Dress Code: Formal attire (ball gowns, tuxedos, and masquerade masks)
Tickets: $300 (including taxes & gratuity) for The Grand Package and $150 (including taxes & gratuity) for The Phantom Package. Tickets can be purchased HERE under the experiences tab.