Account Login/Registration

Access PentictonNow using your Facebook account, or by entering your information below.


Facebook


OR


Register

Privacy Policy

Stories shared, fundraising record smashed at 2021 SOWINS Walk to End Abuse

You wouldn't know it by looking at her. Or by talking to her. Today, Kari Campbell is happy, healthy, and seemingly in a great place in her life.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who> Kari Campbell

But the scars run deep. For years, Campbell was trapped in what she calls an "extremely abusive relationship." Drained of self-esteem, living in fear, and conditioned by her abuser to believe she deserved her fate, she'd lost all hope.

But she ultimately did what she figured was impossible. She got out, saying she was forced to flee "everything I've ever known" to relocate and restart here in Penticton.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

And that's why Sunday morning Campbell walked in the 2021 SOWINS (South Okanagan Women in Need Society) Walk to End Abuse on the Okanagan Lake waterfront. She wants others to know they needn't suffer alone as she did. She wants them to know SOWINS is out there.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

This year's annual Walk, held during the 40th anniversary year of the organization and as pandemic regulations still grip the country, was intentionally low in numbers. But the fundraising effort associated with it was anything but. Despite COVID, SOWINS pulled in an all-time record amount.

As of Monday morning, the total sat at $55,000-plus.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

"The fundraising team did a wonderful job reacting to the new reality," said a happy SOWINS board chair Rod Fru. "We're really pleased with the way it turned out."

The past 16 months haven't been easy for an organization that typically pairs clients with counselors in person. But Fru credited a "complete pivot" for saving the day.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

"A lot of it had to be done virtually," he said. "We had help from the government to fund a lot more laptops and upgrade our internet. At our transition house, we had to switch to all disposable dishes.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who> Inimitable SOWINS volunteer Diane Fru points the way

"But now we're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and we've been able to maintain most of our programs. If anything, it put more of an emphasis on our outreach van which goes around to different parts of the Okanagan."

A notable face Sunday was that of SOWINS' brand new executive director, Danielle Goulden. Goulden brings years of experience to her role, and said just prior to the Walk that SOWINS' "mandate and mission is near and dear to my heart."

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who> Danielle Goulden

"I got my career start when I became a sexual assault crisis counselor," she said. "Then I worked in a domestic violence shelter as a support worker. Later, I became the director of that shelter."

According to Goulden, the cloistered, stay-at-home conditions of the pandemic have only heightened the domestic abuse situation.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

"Yes, it's definitely worse during the pandemic. Basically women and children are being locked inside with abusive partners. A lot of people have lost their jobs, and it creates multiple layers of stress and anxiety for families. And this is happening globally."

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

Kari Campbell knows just how bad it can get. She feels proud she was finally able to cut the cord, but acknowledges it was incredibly difficult to do so.

"Abusive partners have a way of strategically taking every part of you away," she said. "They know what they're doing, and you end up feeling very alone. And they're the only person you have. So it's very hard to get out.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

"And you definitely end up feeling you deserve the abuse. Like you did something wrong. Like you're always doing something wrong. If I hadn’t escaped and saved myself, I'm 100% confident that I would not be alive today."

And now four years into her new life, she says she's happy and that life is "amazing."

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

"You have to believe in yourself. Know what you're worth. There are so many others in the same situation. You’re not alone."

Also walking Sunday was Celine Lucier, accompanied by fellow Salty's Beach House staff member Emily Hart. And she was up front about her reasoning.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who> Emily Hart, Celine Lucier

"I know so many women in my life who have been in the transition house or have been supported by the SOWINS campaign," she said. "The Share the Spirit (winter fundraiser) campaign is one that is dear to my heart. I sponsor a family every Christmas.

"So I'm here today to encourage women in abusive relationships who are struggling to be independent to reach out. Life afterward is freeing and beautiful. There is hope, and there are resources out there, and there's no shame in reaching out."

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

For more information on Penticton-based SOWINS, to donate or volunteer, or simply just to talk to someone who can help, head to the website here.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>



Send your comments, news tips, typos, letter to the editor, photos and videos to [email protected].



Weather
webcam icon

weather-icon
Thu
11℃

weather-icon
Fri
12℃

weather-icon
Sat
11℃

weather-icon
Sun
16℃

weather-icon
Mon
18℃

weather-icon
Tue
16℃


Top Stories

Follow Us

Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook
Follow Our Newsletter
Privacy Policy