Emily Murphy
Donations make annual Christmas party
possible for home’s women and children

A 15-year tridition for women
and children who have used
Emily Murphy House is an
annual Christmas party.

By A.P. McCredie
News Reporter.

Started in 1978 - the year the
North Shore refuge for abused
women and children opened - the
party has been an important part of

oth the staffs and residents’ holi-
day memories.

“Every year we
invite the women and
children who have been
residents of the house
during the past year to a
Christmas party, com-
plete with gifts and a
dinner,” said Kim
Laforest, the North
Shore Crisis :Service

' Society’s children’s
program coordinator.

All the gifts and
food are donated by the
North Shore communi-

ty.

¥ But this year dona-
tions are down, Laforest
says.

“We're having the party a litde
earlier this year, So we haven't had
as much time to have donations as
in previous years,” she said.

Gifts for both children and
mothers can be dropped off at the

‘North Shore Crisis Services

Society, located at 3095 Lonsdale

[ LA

1877. Marine Drive, N.Van..
2370 Wast 41st-Ave. 8
Squamish 898-5252

Ave. North Vancouver, during
weekday business hours.

The date and location of the
party are kept confidential to pro-
tect the guests. Laforest expects
about 80 women and children to
attend the party, with the kids rang-
ing in age from newborn to about
16.

The party is held in two rooins,
with the children enjoying them-
selves in one room with face paint-
ing and crafts, while their mothers
are in the other wrapping presents.

The mothers then join their chil-
dren for the party and dinner.

66 Often, the party is the first
time since the family left the
transition house that the staff

have seen them. 99

Laforest said that since many of
the women will be receiving food
hampers from the North Vancouver
Christmas Bureau, gifts would be
more appropriate than food dona-
tions.

“We really need some new toys,
and also gifts for moms,” she said.

Cc

101
64-7255

“932-6617 |

Vancouver
“Whistler:

“We rarely get adult gifts, but it’s
nice to surprise them with a nice
gilt.”

~Laforest added that cash dona-
tions are also welcome, in the form
of either gift certificates or cash.
Money donations are used to buy
food gilt certificates and gift wrap-
ping paper, though Laforest says a
donation of wrapping paper would
also be appreciated.

Often, the party is the first time
since the family lett the transition
house that the staff have seen them,

“When we first meet these
women and children, they are inc
crisis state,” Laforest
said. “So it’s nice to
connect with them at
the party after
they've beea on their
own for a while.”

Also, the holiday
season is often the
first Christmas dur-
ing which the
women are on their
own, and the finan-
cial and emotional
stress is at times
overwhelming.

Suggested dona-
tions include new
toys for children
(stuffed animals,
books, non-violent videos), new
gifts for women (clothing. house-
wares, towels, nightgowns) and gift

_ certificates,

If you would tike to make a
donation or want more information
call 987-1773.

DEC. 6 - 12,
ONLY

WATCH
FOR NEW

py PRICE WARS:
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EACH WEEK}

Our entire regular
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UD, wort.

ay, December 8, 1993 — North Shore News ~ 8

ouse celebrates the season

GIFTS ARE currentiy being accepted for the annual Emily
Murphy Transition House Christmas party. The tree is a little
bare compared with previous years because the party is belna
held earlier than usual. To donate a gift call 987-1773.

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