Current Events

Mission/Abbotsford Silent Witness Project

A project of the Mission/Abbotsford Violence Against Women in Relationships Coordinating Committee with the support of the BC Ministry of Community Services. Silent Witness Project is a traveling exhibit of life-sized, red, wooden silhouettes.  Each represents a woman who was murdered by a husband, common-law partner, boyfriend, or intimate acquaintance.  Because these women no longer have a voice, the silhouettes are called “Silent Witnesses”.  The program was developed in Minnesota, in 1990, by a group of women wishing to honour the women killed by partners in acts of domestic violence. Silent Witness has since become an international initiative.

View the Mission/Abbotsford Silent Witness Project ppt

Goals of Silent Witness: Remember women (and victims of triangulation - children, boyfriends, or other family members) murdered by a spouse, partner, or acquaintance. Create awareness by sharing information about the nature and extent of family violence. Promote healing and action by profiling local resources that support women coping with violence in their lives. Encourage community and government action to end all forms of violence in our society.

Annual Events

Annual International Women's Day - March

A Brief History - In 1975, during International Women's Year, the United Nations began celebrating International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8th. Two years later, in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace to be celebrated on any day of the year that follows their historical and national traditions. In adopting its resolution, the General Assembly recognized the role of women in peace efforts and development, urging an end to discrimination and an increase in support for women's full and equal participation. International Women's Day provides an opportunity to celebrate progress made and to assess the challenges that remain for women. This day also provides an opportunity to consider the steps required to bring about equality for women in all their diversity around the globe.

IWD is now an official holiday in Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. The new millennium has experienced a significant change in both women's and society's thoughts about equality and emancipation for women. Many of the younger generation feel that the fight for equality is over, while many feminists from the 1970's know only too well the longevity and ingrained complexity of patriarchy. With more women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights, and an increased critical mass of women's visibility as impressive roll models in every aspect of life, one could believe that women have gained true equality. Yet, unfortunately, women are still not paid the same as men, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and, globally, women's education, health, and experiences of violence remains worse than that of men.

However, great improvements have been made. We have female astronauts and prime ministers, schoolgirls are welcome into university, and women can both work and have a family; women have real choices. The tone and nature of IWD has, for the past few years, shifted from being a reminder about the negatives to a celebration of the positives.

Annual Violence Prevention Month - April

Annual Take Back the Night - September

Annual West Coast Women's Show - October

Annual Mission's Annual Christmas Cookie Festival - November

Annual National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women - December

Annual Christmas at the Clarke - December

Christmas at the Clarke Benefit Concert is an annual event held at the Clarke Foundation Theatre in Mission, BC.
33700 Prentis Avenue. This fundraiser supports the Mission Christmas Bureau and the Women’s Resource Society safe housing programs.

Past Events

December 16, 2009 - Christmas at the Clarke Benefit Concert

November 26, 2009 - Mission's 2nd Annual Christmas Cookie Festival

Fronya's Thrift Boutique participated in Mission's Annual Christmas Cookie Festival. The cookie tour began at Murdoch's Book Shoppe (33078 First Ave) where a map was supplied that guided all to the merchants in downtown Mission who were involved with the event. The presence of the Cookie Monster, Gingerbread Man and Carollers definitely brought a taste of Christmas Cheer to the downtown area.

Mission's 2nd Annual Christmas Cookie Festival was a great success! Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy the evening.

June 7, 2009 - Walk/Run for Shelter

October 24 – 26, 2008 - West Coast Women's Show

The 8th Annual West Coast Women's Show October 24 – 26 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) 2008.

Thank you to everyone who visited our booth at the Women's Trade Show. There were over 26,000 visitors this year. The exposure for the WRSFV was fantastic; we spent 3 full days speaking and meeting with thousands of people.

Thank you to all of those who sent in the cash and donations as discussed at the event . It is not too late to send in your donations as we are still in need of them. Tampons, new underwear (for women), socks, shampoos and conditioners, hand sanitizers and mouthwash are always needed. Warm coats, hats, gloves, sleeping bags, small pillows, food gift cards and food items are always wanted as well.

For those of you who expressed an interest in volunteering come in and speak to us. We have opportunities for reception and office services as well as retail help in our clothing store – Fronya.

Thank you for your continued support!! We can be reached at 604-820-8455.

December 17, 2008 - Christmas at the Clark

WRSFV Programs and Services are funded by: The Province of British Columbia: Ministry of Health, Ministry of Housing and Social Development, Government of Canada: Status of Women Canada, Health Canada, United Way of the Fraser Valley, District of Mission, Mission/Abbotsford Soroptimist International, Business, Service and Faith Groups, Individuals and fundraising initiatives.