Shine the Light Campaign Returns to the Rainy River District This November
November 01, 2026
November
is Woman Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, and Riverside Health Care,
together with the Rainy River District Women’s Shelter of Hope, is once again
proud to co-sponsor the Shine the Light campaign.
Originally
developed by the London Abused Women’s Centre in London, Ontario, Shine the
Light is an international initiative raising awareness and promoting the
end of woman abuse. The campaign’s signature colour, purple, symbolizes
courage, survival and honour, recognizing the strength of survivors and the
importance of community support.
The
Town of Fort Frances will proclaim November as Woman Abuse Awareness and
Prevention Month with a flag raising on Monday, November 2, at 9:00 a.m. The
Town’s Square will also be decorated in purple throughout the month in support
of the campaign.
As
part of this year's campaign, Riverside and the Rainy River District Women’s
Shelter of Hope invite the public to a Shine the Light gathering on Friday,
November 13, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. outside Riverside Community Counselling
Services at 206 Victoria Avenue in Fort Frances.
The
gathering will bring community members together in solidarity and hope for an
end to gender-based violence. Attendees will be invited to personalize an
ornament with messages of support and wishes for a future free from violence.
The ornaments will be displayed as a collective expression of community
support. Refreshments will be provided, and everyone is welcome.
“Shine
the Light reminds survivors that they are not alone and that our community
stands with them,” said Jacquee Loerzel, Community and Family Violence
Counsellor with Riverside Community Counselling Services. “This gathering is an
opportunity to come together, share messages of hope and show our commitment to
ending violence.”
November
15 is also recognized as Wear Purple Day,
encouraging individuals, businesses and organizations to wear purple in
solidarity with women who have experienced intimate partner abuse and
gender-based violence.
“Wearing
purple is a small gesture with a powerful meaning,” added Loerzel. “It shows
survivors they are seen, supported and not alone, while helping keep important
conversations about violence against women in our communities.”
Through
counselling, education and partnerships with organizations like the Rainy River
District Women’s Shelter of Hope, Riverside remains committed to supporting
those affected by violence, raising awareness and building safer communities.
For
more information about the Shine the Light campaign, contact Riverside
Community Counselling Services at 807-274-4807 (ext. 1) or visit www.lawc.on.ca.
Key Dates & Events
– Shine the Light 2026
· Monday, November 2 – Campaign Flag Raising
Fort Frances Civic Centre | 9:00 a.m.
The Town of Fort Frances will proclaim November as Woman Abuse Awareness and
Prevention Month and raise the Shine the Light campaign flag.
· Friday, November 13 – Shine the Light
Community Gathering
Riverside Community Counselling Services, 206 Victoria Avenue | 1:00–3:00 p.m.
A public gathering featuring messages of hope, personalized ornaments and
refreshments. Everyone is welcome.
· Sunday, November 15 – Wear Purple Day
Community members are encouraged to wear purple to show solidarity with
survivors of woman abuse and gender-based violence.
· Throughout November – Community Awareness
The Fort Frances Town Square will be decorated in purple, and campaign posters
will be distributed to local businesses and organizations.