This week, Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality, announced that the Government of Canada is investing in two women’s organizations in Kingston.
“I am pleased to announce the Government of Canada’s support for Girls Inc. of Limestone and Kingston Interval House,” said Gerretsen at the announcement. “This investment will provide them the opportunity to increase their reach in the community and mobilize their messages of unity and gender equality to help create a healthier, safer and more prosperous community for us all.”
Girls Inc. of Limestone, Algonquin and Lakeshore will receive $200,000 to recruit, train and manage the Girls Inc. Advocacy Team in Frontenac, Lennox & Addington, Hastings and Prince Edward counties. The organization promotes gender equality and raise awareness of the harmful and pervasive effects of gender inequality.
“It is important for people to have the right information about gender equality. We want to show how gender inequality has a negative impact on women, girls and society in general, and how easy it is for attitudes and opinions to be reconsidered and discussed in the public space,” said Lindsey Belch, Chief Executive Officer, Girls Inc. of Limestone, Algonquin and Lakeshore. “We are thankful for the funding from the Government of Canada and look forward to working with our community to bring gender equality to the front of the conversation.”
Kingston Interval House will likewise receive $200,000 to improve its funding model, creating new funding opportunities and increasing revenue streams from a network of donors and partners. Their team maintains a wide range of community services for women and families in Kingston while working to eliminate all forms of violence and oppression.
Pam Havery, Executive Director, Kingston Interval House explained that the need for its services continues to expand as our community grows and becomes more diverse. “We’re thankful to the Government of Canada for recognizing our unique funding profile and for providing the investment that will allow us to begin our next phase of expansion,” added Havery. “We are pleased to see our work will continue uninterrupted as we strive to provide high-quality services that meet the critical needs of women and families and youth in Kingston who are experiencing violence and need safe shelter.”
Over 250 women’s organizations and Indigenous organizations serving women across Canada receiving funding under the Government of Canada’s Capacity-building Fund.
