Monday, September 22, 2008

Thank you!


Photo by Nick Iwanyshyn, Guelph Mercury
Jen Plyler, amateur boxer and coordinator of the Shape Your Life boxing program for women and trans survivors of violence speaks at Take Back the Night 2008 in Guelph on September 18, 2008.

A big thank you to all the volunteers and participants in Take Back the Night 2008. The event was a success because of all your hard work. Over 120 people came to the event on Thursday night. A group of people from the Guelph Resource Centre for Gender Empowerment and Diversity wore their silkscreened TBTN Tshirts and brought beautifully painted signs. The Guelph Women's Drum opened the event with two songs. Then Juanita Wilkins performed to the crowd, while people mingled or sat on the grass. People signed the giant "Stop Violence" stop-sign and wrote what kind of violence they'd like to stop. At the Arts and Crafts table, banners were made, and children had their faces painted. There were even appearances by the Guelph Gryphons Women's Hockey team and some election candidates. There were baked goods provided by With The Grain and Guelph Water courtesy of containers from Wellington Water Watchers.

The march made its way through downtown Guelph with lots of people with strollers and dogs along for the walk. We were cheered on and supported by others along the way. We will keep on marching until the streets and homes are safe for all in this community.

If you are interested in participating in the 2009 Take Back the Night planning committee, please e-mail wiceducator AT gwwomenincrisis DOT org.