THUNDER BAY – The Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario hosted its annual fundraiser on Thursday.
Themed “abolition in action," the event was held to celebrate National Elizabeth Fry Week while raising funds for transitional housing and supports for their organization.
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario is a grassroots, non-profit organization in Thunder Bay that aims to help support women and gender-diverse individuals who have been involved in the criminal justice system.
All funds raised on Thursday go straight to the transitional housing program, according to Lindsay Martin, executive director. Martin said the program requires a lot of support to maintain.
“The more awareness that happens in regards to incarceration and why people are incarcerated, I think is really key for community buy in," they said.
“All the funds that we raised (will) go straight to the transitional housing program that we run. We have two transitional houses here locally for women and gender diverse people and we've just sort of sprung those up in the last 24 months.”
Martin also touched on the importance of bringing more awareness to incarceration, and explained how essential this week is for people who rely on the organization.
For those wishing to either get involved by volunteering or donating, visit the Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario's website.
