Shine the Light Campaign Returns to the Rainy River District

November 04, 2025

November is Woman Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, and Riverside Health Care, together with the Rainy River District Women’s Shelter of Hope, is proud to once again sponsor the Shine the Light campaign.

Originally developed by the London Abused Women’s Centre in London, Ontario, Shine the Light has grown into an international initiative that raises awareness and promotes the end of woman abuse. The campaign’s signature colour, purple, symbolizes courage, survival, and honour - a reminder of the strength shown by survivors and the importance of standing together as a community.

The Town of Fort Frances has once again proclaimed November as Woman Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month and will mark the occasion by raising the Shine the Light campaign flag at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 6, at the Fort Frances Civic Centre. Campaign posters are being distributed throughout the community to help promote awareness and show support.

November 15 is Wear Purple Day, an opportunity for everyone to come together in solidarity and spark important conversations about ending violence against women and gender-based violence. Participants are encouraged to wear purple proudly on this day and to decorate their homes, workplaces, and storefronts in purple to help spread the message of hope and support.

“Campaigns like Shine the Light remind us that community involvement plays a vital role in creating change,” said Jacquee Loerzel, Community and Family Violence Counsellor with Riverside Community Counselling Services. “When we wear purple, we show survivors that they are seen, supported, and not alone. It’s a small gesture with a powerful message, that together, we can help build safer, more compassionate communities.”

Riverside Health Care remains deeply committed to supporting individuals and families affected by violence through accessible counselling and community partnerships. Collaborative efforts like Shine the Light highlight the importance of awareness, education, and prevention in creating meaningful, lasting change.

Local businesses are also joining in support. The Pink Parasol Tea Room will host a tea and scones fundraiser on Thursday, November 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 256 Scott Street. Tickets are $15, with pre-orders available online at thepinkparasoltearoom.com. No reservations are required - eat in or take out.

For more information about the Shine the Light campaign or to obtain posters, contact Riverside Community Counselling Services at 807-274-4807 (ext. 1). To learn more about the campaign, visit lawc.on.ca/shine-the-light-on-woman-abuse-campaign or explore additional education on gender-based violence at stayingisntchoosing.ca.

Key Dates & Events – Shine the Light 2025

• November – Woman Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month
  Sponsored by Riverside Health Care and the Rainy River District Women’s Shelter of Hope as part of the Shine the Light campaign.
• Thursday, November 6 – Campaign Flag Raising
  Fort Frances Civic Centre, 9:00 a.m.
  The Town of Fort Frances will raise the Shine the Light flag to mark Woman Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month.
• Thursday, November 13 – Tea & Scones Fundraiser
  The Pink Parasol Tea Room, 256 Scott Street, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  Tickets: $15 (eat in or take out)
  Hosted by The Pink Parasol Tea Room, with proceeds supporting local Shine the Light initiatives.
• Saturday, November 15 – Wear Purple Day
  Community members are encouraged to wear purple proudly and decorate their homes, workplaces, and storefronts to help spread awareness and show support for survivors of woman abuse.
• Throughout November – Campaign Posters Distributed
  Posters and materials are being shared through Riverside Community Counselling Services to promote awareness and community involvement across the district.