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PEARL event raises funds for sexually abused, exploited women in Chilliwack

‘Together Making a Difference’ is the fourth annual fundraiser for PEARL Life Renewal Society
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PEARL’s Together Making a Difference fundraiser is Nov. 1. (Submitted)

A fundraiser to help support women who have been sexually abused, exploited and trafficked takes place on Friday, Nov. 1.

The event, Together Making a Difference, is the fourth annual fundraiser for PEARL Life Renewal Society and there will be a silent auction, giving tree, quilt raffle and desserts.

Guest speaker for the evening is Julie Shematz, MA, overcomer of human trafficking and the founder of Beauty From Ashes Ministries.

Shematz, who developed programming for the Salvation Army in the U.S., will also be offering best practice treatment training for this population to interested individuals and service providers Nov. 4 to 6. The event and training are about raising awareness of sex trafficking and how as community, we can help this marginalized population transition from victims to overcomers.

The event will support PEARL Resource Centre, a drop-in place for sexually exploited girls and women in downtown Chilliwack. The centre offers meals, clothing, showers, as well as counselling, life skills, and referrals to community resources.

Trained staff and volunteers provide best practice, non-judgmental support in an effort to build trusting relationships with vulnerable girls and women of Chilliwack, who are often homeless.

“PEARL empowers girls and women who are sexually exploited, trafficked or in prostitution through support, education and Jesus’ love to embrace hope and renewal,” reads the charity’s online description.

At the fundraiser, Joan Goosen MA, mental health therapist and founder and director will share stories of hope and change and how you can become involved. The event is also raising support for the next phase, a residential program offering mental health and addictions recovery.

Event tickets are $10 on Eventbrite.ca or at the door. Training is $220 and registration through Eventbrite.ca.

PEARL’s Together Making a Difference fundraiser is Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. at 9345 Main St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

READ MORE: Pearl Life Renewal Society hosts annual fundraiser to help get Chilliwack’s women off the streets