Vigil and high tea rallies against domestic violence
Organisations such as the Open Haven charity want to let those impacted by domestic and family violence know they are not alone – a message highlighted during May for Queensland’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month (DFVPM).
Along with many other groups and organisations, the grassroots charity of Open Haven is dedicated to empowering survivors of domestic violence in South East Queensland.
Since its inception in 2013, Open Haven has provided essential support to more than 1,250 women, helping them reclaim their lives and achieve independence.
This year the charity is celebrating the strength of these survivors by selling tickets for a high tea event in Logan on Saturday, 10 May, to raise vital funds for ongoing support for people on their journey toward a safer future.
Open Haven offers a range of services, including driving lessons, job preparation, and referrals to legal and psychological support, empowering women to reclaim their lives.
‘We are thrilled to host this high tea event to honour the incredible warriors of domestic violence,’ Open Haven founder Sabeel Burgess says.
‘This is not just a celebration, it’s an opportunity for the community to come together, raise awareness and provide crucial support to those who need it most.’
The high tea will feature an afternoon of food and beverages, a fashion show by ModaRita Designs, raffles, Community Recognition Awards, and special guests including Logan Mayor Jon Raven and Open Haven Patroness, Logan Mayoress Ali Raven.
Sabeel says anyone wanting to volunteer a helping hand during the fundraising event and support Open Haven’s ongoing initiatives are welcome, as are donations from individuals and businesses.
‘Together, we can create a safe path towards healing and independence for those who have faced unimaginable challenges,’ Sabeel says.
The high tea is from 1 pm to 3 pm at Impact Church at Impact Care Services, Slacks Creek, and tickets are available for $50 each (plus sales fee) at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/open-haven-high-tea-tickets-1309491166329
For more information about Open Haven and the high tea, visit https://www.openhaven.org.au.
Another community event for the City of Logan to mark DFVPM during May will be a candlelight vigil on Wednesday, 7 May.
The Centre for Women & Co and Men & Co Services have joined forces with Logan City Council to host the vigil, held in the forecourt of the Logan Entertainment Centre in Logan Central from 5 pm to 6:30 pm.
The vigil is an opportunity for the community to come together for DFVPM and say ‘no’ to domestic and family violence.
To coincide with the event, Council’s main administration building on Wembley Road in Logan Central will be illuminated on the night of 7 May.
Council will also illuminate its 3 water towers at Underwood, Shailer Park and Hillcrest in purple lighting on 2 May and 3 May for DFVPM.
For more information about the vigil visit The Centre for Women & Co’s Facebook page at facebook.com/CentreForWomenandCo.
PHOTO AT TOP: Guests enjoying a previous Open Haven fundraising event to support those impacted by domestic and family violence.