Kathleen Wild

We set up two rooms, one with the gifts for the moms and one with gifts for the kids," said Kathleen Wild, Public Education and Marketing Coordinator.

On Dec. 14 and 15 the moms go into the children's room and pick out items for their child, or children.The children, with a volunteer, take a turn and pick out items for their mother.

"The project is volunteer driven," said Wild.

"When planning the event, we quickly discovered that the afternoon tea traditions vary widely, from the 'High Teas' served with scones and clotted cream with petit fours to the bread and tea tradition that my Yorkshire father remembers," explains Kathleen Wild, public education and marketing coordinator with Women's Resources."Then we came up with the idea of calling the event a Continental Tea, creating our own unique blend of tea traditions and treats that will be sure to please."

Together, volunteers from the Dream Centre and Vicky's Values gently used clothing store will present a fall collection showcase.

"Many individuals may not think of shopping at our stores, yet we offer a range of quality items at very reasonable prices.This is a great opportunity to showcase the stores to the community," added Wild.

There will be door prizes and a silent auction with items ranging from gift baskets to a Robert Bateman framed print.Tickets for the event are specially priced at two for $15 until Oct. 1.Afterwards, they are priced at $10 each.Proceeds from ticket sales will be presented to the Kawartha Lakes food Source to assist the food distribution warehouse provide support to its member food banks and food cupboards across the City of Kawartha Lakes.

For those who find themselves too busy to attend the event but would still like to help out, Wild has a solution.

"Why not buy some tickets anyway and donate them for use by one of the 16 member agencies of the Kawartha Lakes food Source?"

Tickets are available at many of the member agencies of the Kawartha Lakes food Source including Women's Resources and the Dream Centre.For more information on the event please contact Kathleen Wild at 878-4285 or Jeni Csiki at 324-7613.

Kathleen Wild Public Education & Marketing CoordinatorWomen's Resources22 Russell St. E. Lindsay, Ontario K9V 2A1

705-878-4285 ext 223

My interpretation is that more women are now seeking help , not that abusive relationships are on the rise," said Kathleen Wild, public education and marketing co-ordinator for Women's Resources.

"It is only by taking steps of seeking help, educating ourselves and our children, being positive role models and ensuring that essential services are supported financially that we can end the cycle of violence."

Proceeds from the sales of the $1 stop signs will be split between Women's Resources, which is the local shelter and resource centre for abused women and their children, and the Canadian Women's Foundation.

"With the government's expectation that we raise 10 per cent of our annual operating budget locally, the Zellers' Start to Stop Violence program is crucial to help meet our goal," said Wild.