`Zonta Says No`campaign is set to come to Oxford County

Saturday, 5 December 2015 08:40

OXFORD COUNTY - The Zonta Club of Woodstock is making their way around Oxford County like never before.

Their campaign lasts 16 day and began on November 23rd, where they are holding free events to raise awareness in the community.

Chair on the Advocacy Committee with Zonta, Allison Henkle, explains what the `Zonta Says No` campaign is here to provide, "It is to raise awareness in the community with respect to issues surrounding domestic violence is the key focus, and it is Zonta saying no to violence against women. This is isn't an issue that is going away it is an issue, according to our statistics, that is increasing. This year we are really managing to target audiences that we haven't targeted in the past and that is really exciting."

Throughout the campaign orange ribbons will be distributed to show your support against violence against women.

Oxford County is prepared to come together on December 6th to recognize a somber event in Canadian History. It will mark the 26th anniversary of the Montreal Massacre where 3 Candlelight vigils will be held in Ingersoll, Woodstock, and Tillsonburg all starting at 6 o'clock.

Program Manager for Family Violence Counselling Programs, Giselle Lutfallah, is partnering with several local groups to help spread the word, "Violence against women is a global issue, the partnership with DART is very important because it draws attention within our community. It also draws awareness around the potential to change legislation to educate people and come together and fight against violence against women."

The Montreal Massacre occurred after 14 women were killed based on their gender, and Treasurer of Oxford Regional Labour Council, Linda Smith, is optimistic that harsher legislation will be enforced.

"Just recently I attended the Ontario Federation of Labour Conference where they passed several resolutions around the issue of violence against women, not only to raise awareness but to lobby the government to make changes to legislation. This will have an impact and to take action on violence against women not just raise awareness."

The three meeting places will be held at the Court House in Woodstock, Dewan Park in Ingersoll, and the Clock Tower in Tillsonburg. More events to spread the word will be head throughout December.