Laval shelter now 85 per cent completed, according to executive-director Melpa Kamateros
Nearly 200 supporters of emergency shelters for women and children fleeing abusive households were guests on Saturday Nov. 23 at Shield of Athena’s annual “Lilac” Benefit Gala, raising as much as $150,000 for the cause during the non-profit’s gourmet dinner and art auction event at the Embassy Plaza in Chomedey.
For more than 30 years, many women and children who have been facing domestic crises in the greater Montreal region have turned to the Shield of Athena for help.
Though it’s been around for three decades, Shield of Athena’s biggest expansion to date is the Second Step Shelter in Laval. Shield of Athena’s goal is to ultimately raise $5 million over the next few years for its emergency shelters.
Power generator needed
The purpose of the event was to raise money to expand Shield of Athena’s first emergency shelter which is in Montreal. At the same time, funds would also go towards the purchase of an emergency power generator for the shelter in Laval, said executive-director Melpa Kamateros.
“If the shelter freezes, what are you going to do: are you going to put vulnerable women and children out?” Kamateros said in an interview with The Laval News regarding the latter need.
Since the pandemic and the ensuing constraints placed on Shield of Athena’s services because of a rise in demand, the organization has been navigating “uncharted financial waters,” said Kamateros.
Laval shelter nearly finished
“What we hope is that with events like this, as well as the generosity of people and companies and businesses that keep on giving, we’ll be able to keep on providing our services.”
According to Kamateros, the Laval shelter is now 85 per cent completed, although its location will always be kept confidential in order to safeguard the women and children who will be sheltered there.
Hosted by CJAD Radio weekend morning show host Joanne Vrakas along with Global TV’s Eramalinda Boquer, the evening featured gourmet dining and live music, including performances by musicians from the Montreal Classical Orchestra and Michelle Sweeney with her singers and band.
Raffle and art auction
Guests were also invited to take part in an auction of artworks by some very talented Montreal-area artists, as well as a raffle for luxurious prizes. In addition to helping double the capacity of Shield of Athena’s first shelter, funds raised will help finish building the 17-unit Second Step shelter in Laval.
Among the major sponsors for Shield of Athena’s work are the Azrieli Foundation, Schwartz’s, the Papadimitriou Family, Scotia Bank, the Fairmount Queen Elizabeth, the Montreal Classical Orchestra, Direct Travel, CJAD Radio and Global TV.
