On Tuesday, October 22, the Davies & Co team participated in our fifth year raising money for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation by participating in the second annual successful Night Light Walk in Belleville. The event is not only about raising money but also about raising awareness for domestic violence, and teams work together to gather pledges to be donated. This year, upwards of $18,000 was collected to support Three Oaks, an essential service to the community.
Founded in 1998, The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation is a branch of the Royal LePage Real Estate Board – dedicated to assisting women and children fleeing domestic violence. It’s one of the largest public foundations in Canada focused on ending family violence. Through the generosity of the Royal LePage agents, staff and supporters, the foundation has raised over $46 million to date which is distributed to over 200 shelters and organizations across Canada. One such partnership is with the Three Oaks Women’s Shelter Foundation, a key resource for women and children in the GTA who are experiencing abuse.
A Lifeline for Women and Children
Three Oaks was established in 1983 and has served thousands of women and children, offering a safe refuge and a clear path to independence for individuals needing help. Last year alone, the shelter assisted more than 500 women and children, helping them regain control of their lives and break the cycle of abuse. The shelter provides emergency housing, food, and emotional support, and works tirelessly to empower women with counseling, legal advocacy, and connections to community resources. They also focus on long-term outcomes, helping women and children secure stable housing, employment and much-needed mental health support. It’s organizations like Three Oaks that help ensure survivors are not alone as they rebuild, offering them both a safe haven and emotional healing.
The Rise in Domestic Violence Since the Pandemic
Domestic violence is a pervasive issue, affecting thousands of women and children each year – however, since the pandemic beginning in 2020, this issue has only increased with many shelter organizations reporting a massive increase in the number of cases. Lockdowns, financial strains and social isolation made it harder for women to escape violent situations. According to a 2021 survey from Stats Canada, one in four women had experienced violence in their lifetime, and the rates of intimate partner violence saw a sharp rise during Covid.
This increase in violence is a reminder that it’s not just an individual or family issue – but a societal one. This is why the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation and its partners are stepping up to make sure that no woman or child has to face this reality alone, working to provide a sense of hope and safety during their darkest moments.
Close to Home
For Jo-Anne Davies, Founder of Davies & Co Real Estate Team, the work of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation hits particularly close to home. As the mother of five daughters and grandmother to a young granddaughter, Jo-Anne understands the importance of creating a safer, more supportive world for women and children to thrive.
“As a mother and now a grandmother, I can’t help but feel a deep responsibility to help women who are fleeing violence and seeking safety. Every woman and child deserves to live in a world where they feel safe and secure,” Jo-Anne says. Her personal connection to the cause fuels her passion for supporting the Shelter Foundation, and she has been a tireless advocate for it throughout her career.
Jo-Anne’s dedication to helping victims of domestic violence extends beyond fundraising. Team Davies & Co. participates in the annual Night Light Walk, raising awareness and funds to support shelters like Three Oaks. Their commitment to ending family violence isn’t just about writing checks—it’s about making a real difference in the lives that need it most.
How You Can Help
One of the simplest ways you can get involved is to participate in the The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s biggest annual fundraising events, the Night Walk, which takes place every fall in select cities across Canada. During this event, participants walk together in the evening, not only to raise funds but to raise awareness and shine a light on domestic violence to amplify the message that this is something we cannot ignore.
“This night in October is about more than just a step towards awareness of the domestic violence realities women face in this country. It’s also about raising hope and necessary funds to help change the lives of those who need our support," said Phil Soper, president and CEO, Royal LePage. “As we come together to illuminate the path forward for local women’s shelters and those who rely on their critical services, each light we carry symbolizes our stand against abuse, and our dedication to supporting the women and children seeking safety on their journey to healing and recovery. By uniting in this cause, we can drive meaningful change and bring hope to countless individuals and families.”
Whether you choose to walk, donate, volunteer, or spread the word, the more people who learn about domestic violence and the organizations working to combat it, the more we can do to break the cycle of abuse and provide resources to those in need.
As Jo-Anne Davies says, "Our mission is simple but powerful: to give women and children the opportunity to build a future free from violence. Together, we can make that vision a reality." Through continued awareness, support, and community involvement, we can help make a world where every woman and child can live free from fear.
