Organization supporting victims of sexual and domestic abuse welcomes good news on several levels
Sarah Sherman, founder of We’re Here For You, is excited to share “great news” surrounding the charitable organization’s efforts to officially become a federal non-profit and enhance its efforts to provide comfort to victims of sexual and domestic abuse.
“In mid-December we learned that we had been awarded a grant from Horizon Health that would allow us to become a federal non-profit, which is now in place,” explained Sherman. “We have also applied for charitable status which is in the works. As you can imagine, we are very excited.”
Even before the good news surrounding We’re Here For You’s efforts to finalize its charitable status, Sherman and supporters completed plans for a star-studded fundraiser in Fredericton.
Sherman announced the fundraiser at the Fredericton Inn on Jan. 26 would headline Cathy Jones from This Hour Has 22 Minutes.
“It should be a great night with other talents that includes Jess Campbell Magic and comedian Neal Mundle.”
The fundraiser will include a silent auction, 50-50 draw and more.
In late 2021, Sherman, a resident of Lakeland Ridges, established We’re Here For You to work with emergency rooms and forensic nurse examiners to provide comfort to abuse victims at a low point in their lives.
The organization provides “comfort kits,” containing toiletries and items for immediate personal care, new clothing, and gift cards for fuel, meals, food and more to emergency rooms and nurse examiners for distribution to victims seeking their care.
Sherman, who, as a victim herself years ago in British Columbia, understands all too well the devastation these women face.
The Upper River Valley Hospital in Waterville was the first recipient of the comfort kits. Still, the program has since expanded to Horizon hospitals in Fredericton, Saint John, with plans to add Miramichi, Moncton and other New Brunswick ERs.
Sherman and We’re Here For You executive assistant Heather Neilson-Furrow said interest from beyond New Brunswick, including Nova Scotia and P.E.I., cemented the need to register as a federal non-profit.
The Funny Fundraisers event on Jan. 26 will see doors open at 6:30 p.m., with showtime beginning at 8 p.m. Campbell, a Fredericton magician, will take the stage at 7 p.m., while the main show will start at 8 p.m., with Mundle opening for Jones.
Tickets at $30 each are available on Eventbrite.
Jones, a writer, actress and Canadian comedy icon, is best known for more than two decades as part of the cast of This Hour Has 22 Minutes.
She has received numerous Gemini and other awards for comedy writing and performances.
(Jim Dumville photo)
