For Immediate Release
December 1st 2011
PENTICTION – In dedication to the 14 women killed at L’Ecole Polytechnique on December 6th 1989, the Okanagan College Students’ Union and the Penticton & Area Women’s Centre are working together to host an evening of discussion and collaboration in keeping with the spirit of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
A wave of violence, predominantly violence against women, has swept over the Okanagan-Shuswap in the past year. Our communities have been on edge; yet still remain vigilant, as a result of these deplorable acts of violence.
The event will feature a collaborative art piece by the Golo Art Project during the day, and a panel discussion featuring representatives from the South Okanagan Restorative Justice Program, Penticton & Area Women’s Centre, Okanagan College Criminal Social Justice Department, and the RCMP.
“It is important to give the community the opportunity to come together on December 6th, not only to remember victims of violence against women in the past, but as a reminder that this problem is still present in our communities,” said Ross Saunders, Internal Director of the Okanagan College Students’ Union. “I wear a white ribbon as a pledge never to commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women.”
Leading up to the December 6th event, the OCSU will be promoting the White Ribbon Campaign. The campaign began in Canada in 1991 in response to the L’Ecole Polytechnique shooting, primarily as a method of educating young boys and men on the problem of violence against women. The OCSU provides free white ribbons and educational pamphlets to its members throughout the duration of the campaign.
What: December 6th Memorial Vigil
Who: Members of Okanagan College Students’ Union, Penticton & Area Women’s Centre, & Community
Where: Okanagan College – Penticton Campus (583 Duncan Ave) Lecture Theatre
When: Tuesday, December 6th 6:00pm – 8:00pm
The Okanagan College Students’ Union represents 5000 students at three of the main campuses of Okanagan College. The OCSU is a member of the Canadian Federation of Students, Canada’s largest student organization with a combined membership of over one-half million students.
-30-
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Natasha Di Iuorio, Okanagan College Students’ Union
250.492.4305 ext. 3208
Angelika Eneas, Penticton & Area Women’s Centre
250.493.6822
Amberlee Erdmann, Okanagan College Women’s Resource Centre
250.492.4305 ext. 3311
Tags: