A December of Hope: Green Haven’s Candlelight Vigil, Holiday Fundraiser, and Year-End Giving Campaign

As the year draws to a close, Green Haven Shelter for Women is inviting the Orillia community to participate in two significant December events and to consider supporting its “Gift of a Safe Tomorrow” campaign, a year-end initiative focused on providing safety and hope to women and children affected by gender-based violence.

On Friday, December 6th at 5pm at St. Paul’s Centre, Green Haven will hold a candlelight vigil in collaboration with the Canadian Federation of University Women Orillia Chapter, Elizabeth Fry Society of Simcoe Muskoka, and Dress for Success Barrie-Orillia. This vigil marks National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. It serves as a tribute to the 14 young women whose lives were tragically lost in the 1989 Polytechnique Montréal massacre and offers a moment to reflect on all those affected by gender-based violence.

Adding a festive and meaningful way to give back, Green Haven is hosting its third annual reading of A Christmas Carol on Friday, December 13th at 7pm St. Paul’s Centre. In partnership with Dress for Success Orillia-Barrie, this event celebrates Dickens’ timeless story with a panel of local readers and live music from local musician Sean Patrick. Attendees will be treated to light refreshments and a warm, welcoming environment. The proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Green Haven and Dress for Success, directly supporting their critical work with women in the community. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for youth and seniors, and free for children under 12. Tickets are available here.

Alongside these events, Green Haven is launching the Gift of a Safe Tomorrow campaign, an opportunity for community members to make a direct impact by supporting those seeking refuge and rebuilding their lives. Beyond providing shelter and meals, Green Haven offers counselling, children’s services and essential resources for those fleeing violence and trying to rebuild their lives. Operating the shelter requires significant resources—each bed costs $71,500 annually to maintain, covering essential needs like staffing, food, utilities, and support programs. Contributions of all sizes can make a meaningful difference:

$1,000 covers a safe five-night stay for a woman in need
$500 supports a “New Beginnings Transition Package” to help women move on from the shelter
$200 provides a single night of shelter, ensuring immediate safety
$50 offers a comfort package, including pyjamas, toiletries, and other essentials

Each donation to the Gift of a Safe Tomorrow campaign helps ensure no one in the community is left without a safe place to stay in their time of need.

For Green Haven, these events and the year-end campaign go beyond fundraising—they serve as a statement of solidarity and support for survivors of gender-based violence and a reminder that change is possible with the help of the entire community. Green Haven invites everyone in Orillia to come together this December to remember, celebrate, and give back.

To learn more about these events, to donate, or to get involved, visit greenhavenshelter.com. Let’s come together to create a safe tomorrow for all