Ever since volunteering at a women’s shelter in high school, YWCA board member and registered massage therapist, Kyley Duncan, has been passionate about ending domestic violence and providing women with a way out of abusive relationships.
“After having experience volunteering in a shelter I know that shelters aren’t always an option for women,” said Duncan. “It’s so important that they know there are other ways to leave and that they feel supported.”
In an effort to make a difference in girls’ lives, last year Duncan donated $1,000 to the YWCA Girlz Unplugged program. Starting this year, Duncan will be donating 100 per cent of her December 6 profits from Balance Registered Massage Therapy to the YWCA December 6 Fund.
The YWCA December 6 Fund was established to provide interest-free loans to help remove some of the financial barriers that prevent women from leaving abusive relationships. The fund was created in 2013 and has helped 41 women escape domestic violence in its short five years, with the goal of helping many more women in the future.
Two types of loans are available to women through the December 6 Fund — a $500 loan for bill payments and a $750 loan for first or last month’s rent.
There will be two other businesses joining Duncan on December 6 in support of the YWCA fund. Both Elizabeth Rumble from Spa Muskoka and Dezarae Aldridge-Earl from Dental Hygeine with Dezarae will also donate 100 per cent of their profits on that day.
Kyley’s goal is that the December 6 Fund receives enough money to provide ten interest-free loans to women in need of escaping domestic violence.
I have the ability to earn daily. I can give up a day’s worth of wages or sales. Any Muskoka business is capable of donating just one day for a woman to find a way out. Kyley Duncan, Balance Registered Massage Therapy
Along with the fundraising event, the YWCA will also be holding a candle-light vigil on December 6 to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. The event will be held at Sutherland Hall from 5-7 p.m. For more information, visit the Facebook event page here.
Businesses or individuals who want to make a donation to the fund can donate through the YWCA website or by calling 705-645-9827.
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Absolutely admirable!