November is Family Violence Prevention Month in Alberta and for years Big Country Anti-Violence Association (BCAVA) has been participating in the Red Rose Campaign.
This year is no exception. On Tuesday, November 6, the BCAVA, assisted by volunteers from Grace House, delivered 260 roses to area businesses and churches to raise awareness of family violence in the community.
There is no charge for the rose, and it is not there to solicit funds. Organizers simply ask these institutions to display the rose in a prominent place.
The red rose is in memory of women, children and men who have died as a result of family violence. The roses were distributed in Drumheller and Drumheller communities including East Coulee, Rosedale and Wayne as well as Morrin, Munson and Delia.
The Red Rose campaign in Drumheller has been well-supported for many years by Home-Town Realty, who provide financial support for purchasing the roses. This year, the association presented the business with a plaque in appreciation for its support
In appreciation for their years of support, the BCAVA presented Home-Town Realty with a plaque. At the kick-off of the Red Rose Campaign are (l-r) Cathy Smoliak, Joseph Legacy, Susan Keddie, Major Dhadwal, Larry Keddie, Heather Van Dyk, Chris Hustler, Phil McCluskey, Marian Ewing, Cindy Stelmaschuk, Susan Niehaus, Cora Bolt, Tina Mraz and Kristi Donison.
