By Michele Graveline
The 7th Annual VDay on the Shore is taking place Saturday May 12th at 7:00pm at the MH Old School Community Gathering Place. VDay began as an effort to bring compassion, creativity, and awareness to the difficult subject matter of violence against women & girls. This year’s event takes place against a background of heightened attention to this issue around the world.
VDay on the Shore is a powerful showcase of storytelling, poetry, songs, dance, art and empowerment. As a fundraising event, monies raised this year go towards the newly formed non-profit society, Women Addressing Violence on the Eastern Shore (WAVES).
“WAVES is committed to engaging in community education activities that promote respect, safety and inclusivity for all women/girls and those who identify as female,” said Jackie Barkhouse, one of the founders and a former HRM City Councillor. “Our goals involve moving towards providing support, networking, and services to all women on the Shore facing issues of violence. WAVES grew out of the work on previous VDays on the Shore. The organizers are a group of talented women who are excited for this work to continue.” \
If you would like to be involved with VDay on the Shore this year you can do so in a number of ways.
1. Donate to the show – this can be financial donations, or items for the silent auction.
2. Contribute to the art show.
3. Volunteer at the show. There are a number of jobs to do.
4. Have something to share? We are looking for performers. This can about a personal experience, a piece from the Vagina Monologues or another source. All material is about raising awareness, with the intent to empower.
Please contact [email protected] for more information or to express interest in getting involved. Everyone is welcome – singles, couples, women, & men. Cost is $5-$10 or pay what you can. Accepting food bank donations. We will have refreshments, chocolate, a silent auction of amazing items, and the coolest fridge magnets on the shore. Bring a few dollars and be prepared to laugh and cry amongst friends.
