Music is one of my favourite things about the Christmas season. Last year I had the good fortune of joining the HuronSong Chorus. I say good fortune because it is not a choir that is looking for members. Currently 90 voices strong, there is usually a waiting list of people hoping to join.
The HuronSong Chorus is a special choir. Begun and led by Deborah Bailey, 100 per cent of the funds raised by two annual concerts go to supporting the Huron Women’s Shelter, Second Stage Housing & Counselling Services. Deborah sources and selects all the music, each piece carefully chosen for meaning and beauty. Choir members pay to cover the expenses of music purchase and spend weeks practicing, providing audiences with a performance filled with heart and harmony.
This year is notable as the Huron Women’s Shelter, Second Stage Housing & Counselling Services after 40 years has gone through a name change and is now called Artemis Huron. The new name was chosen with great care. Artemis is the Greek goddess known as the protector of women and children, symbolizing strength, healing, and renewal. Her connection to the moon and its cycles speaks to the cycles of healing that women move through, from darkness to light.
“HuronSong has been a truly invaluable part of our fundraising efforts at Artemis Huron,” says Genelle Reid, Artemis Fund Development Coordinator. Through the long-standing partnership, the concerts have raised an estimated $108,000 in support of women and children across Huron County. “The impact of Deborah Bailey’s leadership and dedication over the years is truly immeasurable, not only in the funds raised, but in the awareness and community solidarity she has built around the issue of gender-based violence,” she adds.
These funds go directly toward providing safety, healing, and support for women and children impacted by violence in our region, from emergency shelter and counselling to second-stage housing and outreach programs. “The continued generosity of Huron Song audiences helps us sustain this vital work and reminds survivors that their community stands with them,” says Reid.
Artemis Huron provides a 24/7 support line, (1-800-265-5506) transition programming that includes navigating the justice system, health care, and housing, and counselling.
You may be wondering why this matters. Rural women face challenges that are different from those experienced by our urban sisters. Limited access to services, transportation issues, and geographic isolation mean that rural women are statistically twice as likely to experience femicide as women in urban settings. The physical challenges also increase feelings of being trapped with no options for escape.
Cultural factors associated with rural living can also contribute to extra challenges faced by women. Living in cities provides some anonymity and privacy that women in rural areas may not have in the same way. As people are more interconnected through family, friends, and social associations, visits to lawyers, therapists, and doctors are difficult to conceal. Also, because people can be very different when in public than they are at home, people who are subjected to abuse may fear they won’t be believed, and for good reason. “These realities underscore why local awareness and support, like that of HuronSong, are so essential,” explains Reid.
Everyone can help play a role in ending intimate partner violence. A public awareness campaign – “Neighbours, Friends, and Family” (NFF) is an educational resource aimed at helping everyone learn more so that proper support can be given to prevent violence and promote safety. It is important to understand that intimate partner violence includes not just physical violence, but also emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as stalking and harassment that can be perpetrated both online and off.
Artemis Huron has a goal of creating real change. Volunteers and donations are welcome to help build safer futures for families in our community and empower survivors. Even if you just attend a HuronSong concert, you are joining in a supportive community event and providing a welcome donation.
“When we come together as a community to name and confront gender-based violence, we create pathways to safety and healing. The support we receive from groups like HuronSong reminds survivors that they are not alone, that their community believes in them and is committed to building a future free from violence,” says Reid.
Christmas concerts will be held on Wednesday, December 17 at Northside United Church in Seaforth and in Goderich on Monday, December 22, Lakeshore United Church, both at 7:30 pm. Make sure to get there early to get a good seat. The music is powerful and moving, highlighting the strength of a caring community. ◊