On Wednesday, April 2, the 22nd Annual Charity Dinner and Auction benefitting Maison Libère-Elles—a shelter dedicated to supporting female and child survivors of family violence—was held at Les Fougères in Chelsea. Organized by Rob Orange, Senior Wealth Advisor at CIBC Wood Gundy, and his colleagues, the event brought together community members united in their mission to provide crucial resources for women and children escaping abuse.
This year’s event was another resounding success, with 80 tickets for the gourmet dinner—expertly prepared by the chefs at Les Fougères—selling out well in advance. “Les Fougères, one of the region’s most beloved restaurants known for its exceptional cuisine, served up yet another gourmet dining experience that delighted guests while supporting an important cause.” Ticket sales, combined with a silent auction held at Galerie Old Chelsea on the restaurant’s second floor, raised an impressive $32,000.
The silent auction featured coveted items such as a getaway at The Royal Hotel in Picton, an overnight stay and breakfast at The Ottawa Marriott Hotel, ski passes from Camp Fortune, and a selection of gifts generously donated by local businesses. Les Fougères continues to donate the dinner itself, ensuring that every dollar from the $200 tickets and auction proceeds directly benefits Maison Libère-Elles.
Ottawa’s cherished Barrow Gang Buskers added a special touch to the evening with a post-dinner performance that brought energy and heart to the room. The band not only donated their time and talent but also purchased tickets to support the shelter. As they played, they passed a collection bucket among the diners, raising an additional $600 to support Maison Libère-Elles. Their heartfelt music had guests tapping their toes and even inspired the kitchen staff to dance while prepping dessert, underscoring the infectious sense of joy and solidarity that defined the evening.
Despite the success of the event, the unfortunate reality that necessitates such efforts remains deeply troubling. Each year in Canada, over 68,000 women and children seek refuge in shelters due to violence and abuse. These shelters offer a critical lifeline, providing safety, support, and a chance to rebuild shattered lives. Yet, the overwhelming demand often exceeds the resources available, forcing many shelters to operate at capacity and turn away those in desperate need.
The root causes of this need are tied to systemic inequities, harmful cultural attitudes, and the perpetuation of cycles of violence. Alarmingly, a woman is killed by her intimate partner almost every six days in Canada—a stark statistic that highlights the urgency of addressing this issue.
Maison Libère-Elles does so much more than provide shelter—they offer life-changing support through empowerment programs, counseling, and tireless advocacy for survivors. Their work stands as a powerful reminder of how communities can come together to confront the issue of violence against women and their children, offering hope and real support when it’s needed most. The Annual Charity Dinner and Auction in support of Maison Libère-Elles is reminds us of how we can make a profound difference for people in need.
If you’re moved by this story and want to make a difference, consider donating to Maison Libère-Elles to support its transformative work. Together, we can create a safer and more compassionate future. Visit maisonlibere-elles.ca to contribute.
