Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention Services held our 9th Annual Heels to Heal Walk in support of the over 1,200 women, men, non-binary individuals and children we serve every year. Over 150 community members stood tall, together, against domestic violence. Together, we raised more than $19,800 for Nova Vita and funds are still coming in!

Top fundraising awards were given out to these recipients in the following categories:

  • Top Individual: Joshua Wall, Ward 5 Councillor
  • Top Youth: Theo Dobler
  • Top Team: The Nova Vita Heelers
  • Top Family: The Sole Sisters
  • Top School: The Waterford Cheerleading Club

Brantford is currently ranked 2nd in Ontario and 6th in all of Canada for police reported incidents of domestic violence. We at Nova Vita, see every day how exposure to domestic violence and homelessness impacts individuals and families, and we work diligently to provide safe shelter, crisis support, individual and group counselling to all members of our community. As the needs remain high for all of our services, fundraising, awareness events, and community partnerships are essential.

Executive Director, Natasha Dobler welcomed the crowd in Harmony Square and put out a call to action for the men in our community:  

“We need men as ambassadors for change. We need you to be supportive and respectful to your partner.  We need you to use healthy communication and to ask for consent. We need you to be a good role model, and to set an example for the boys that look up to you. If you can commit to these principles, then you will be ambassadors of change in ending domestic violence.”

Nova Vita appreciates all of our community partners, sponsors, and supporters that have made the declaration to Stand Tall Against Domestic Violence With Us. While this year’s event was incredibly successful both in raising awareness about domestic violence and in raising money for the shelter, we are still shy of our $25,000 goal. Donations can be made in support of the Nova Vita Heels to Heal Walk on www.raceroster.com until June 30, 2019.

For more information please contact:

Anne Herbison-Ruddell, Community Development Manager

T: 519-752-1005 x228 ● E: aruddell@novavita.org