Very near our house is a beautiful building called the Awo Taan Healing Lodge. With a mission to provide shelter and community services, guided by Native traditional teachings, to anyone affected by family violence and abuse, Awo Taan offers a lot of important programs and services, but most notably acts as an emergency crisis shelter for aboriginal women (and their children) effected by violence. I think the work they do, although completely heartbreaking, is incredible, selfless and such an invaluable resource to our community- When I started the idea of this project, they were the first group I knew I wanted to do something for. I contacted them a few weeks back to see if there were specific items they were in constant need of. Their response was quite simple - towels, sheets, blankets, pillows, socks, diapers, and feminine hygiene products for their families. We collected items from their wish list and delivered them with a few kind words of gratitude and love for the staff, volunteers and families that work and live there. Words cannot express how grateful I am to have such a loving and supportive family. I have been very fortunate to have not been touched by family violence during my lifetime, and my heart genuinely goes out to those that have- today and always. xo
