"To forget would be not only dangerous but offensive; to forget the dead would be akin to killing them a second time." (Elie Wiesel, "Night") #HolocaustRemembranceDay

1 in 3 women experience gender-based violence. Survivors often remain unseen due to stigma and fear. Let’s change that. ❤️ #facelessnotvoiceless #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #GenderEquality

Why does gender-based violence stay invisible? A thread 👇

On December 31, 2024, the Federal Government extended the deadline for 2024 charitable contributions. You now have until February 28, 2025 to make a difference! 💜 Every contribution helps us provide vital support and resources for women and children fleeing violence and building new lives. 🌟 Together, we can create a brighter future for survivors of violence. 👉 Donate today: nyws.ca/donate-to-nyws/ #SupportWomen #MakeADifference #DonateNow

"Whatever you can do or dream, you can begin it. Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it." (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe) From all of us at NYWS, wishing you and yours a safe, happy, healthy and prosperous 2025. #HappyNewYear2025

Each of the women who come to North York Women’s Shelter – in the clothes they stand up in, or with one or two small bags of possessions, on their own or with children in tow – is unique, with her own story, her own history, her own dreams. What they share with each other is a tremendous amount of hope – hope that a violence-free life is not only possible, but attainable. Often in spite of their history, their story, their experiences. Demand for our services has increased exponentially this year, as incidents of gender-based violence rise — and we are facing an urgent funding gap. Increased demand for support means increased pressure on our limited financial resources. Every day, women and children in our community face impossible situations and limited options. Your generosity could be the lifeline they desperately need. As 2024 comes to an end, please consider making your most impactful gift to North York Women’s Shelter. Together, we can ensure that no woman is left with support when she needs it the most. Give now to save lives at nyws.ca/donate-to-nyws/ #womenssafetymatters

From the North York Women's Shelter family to yours, wishing you every joy of the holiday season. #holidayseason

"A little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness." (Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi) Wishing all who celebrate a Happy Hanukkah! #Hanukkah

It really IS the most wonderful time of the year. We're sending thanks and love to all those individuals and community groups who have come together in a conspiracy of love to support the women and children we serve during the holiday season. Nothing but love for Toronto Accord, , @CTJumpstart The Vibe Fund at @TorontoFdn , Armour Heights Presbyterian Church, St. Gregory the Great Academy, @TorontoPolice , St. Jerome's Catholic School, Yahweh Ministries Toronto, Royal LePage Terrequity Real Estate, Brokerage, @NicoleBeinert , Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, and the anonymous elves who stopped by with baskets of goodies, gift cards and more. We couldn't do it without you, and it means more than we can possibly say. Happy holidays from our house to yours!

"Winter is not a season, it's a celebration." (Anamika Mishra) #WinterSolstice

"The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek out ways to make life better for those around us." (Anonymous) We were delighted to welcome these three lovely elves from Toronto Accolades, a local women's choir, yesterday afternoon. They surprised us with an $8,000 cheque to support our women and children over the holiday season and beyond. Thank you much for your generosity -- and we love the Santa hats!!!

The ongoing postal strike doesn't mean you can't stand with the families at North York Women's Shelter this holiday season. You can make your gift online at nyws.ca/donate-to-nyws/ . Thank you to our family of supporters and friends, new and old, for your care and compassion toward the more than 11,000 women, trans and non-binary individuals and their children who have come through our doors since 1984. #communitymatters

"Gender-based violence isn't a women's issue, it's a human rights issue, it's a man's issue. It can't and won't change without men." (Jeswynn Yogaratnam) #16DaysOfActivism

"Showing gratitude is one of the simplest, yet most powerful, things humans can do for each other." (Randy Pausch) Fifty-six thousand, nine hundred thank yous to our friends at @ShopprsDrugMart and its Giving Shelter for its generous support of the women and children we support. And to their customers, who make this support possible. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. #communitymatters #Grateful

"In violence, we forget who we are." (Mary McCarthy) #16DaysOfActivism

"Unless men are active allies, we'll never end violence against women and girls." (Eve Ensler) #16DaysOfActivism

"We have to consider violence against women for what it really is: the greatest crisis that faces humanity." (Isabel Allende) #16DaysOfActivism

"Somewhere the hurting must stop." (Terry Fox) Three women were reported to have died by femicide in Ontario in November 2024. We say their names: Parween Adel, 48i Ulrike Miller, 81 Cathy Prosje, 62 Today, on the National Day of Remembrance, @OaithDotCa released their annual femicide report covering November 2023 to November 2024. The statistics are grim: 62 people, including an two-month old infant and an 88-year old woman, were killed by femicide in Ontario during this period. The hurting must stop. Today.

We will never forget: Helene Colgan Barbara Daigneault Maud Haviernick Maryse Leclair Sonia Pelletier Annie St-Arneault Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz Annie Turcotte Michele Richard Anne Marie Lemay Maryse Langaniere Anne-Marie Edward Natalie Croteau Genevieve Bergeron L'Ecole Polytechnique, December 6 1989 RIP