Allied Against Abuse.

Become an ally against abuse.

Be part of a passionate team of allies committed to protecting and empowering survivors. A future without violence is only possible with your help.

Help Someone Else

Are you concerned for someone you care about? Here is how to support a friend, family member or colleague experiencing abuse...

  • Tell them if you think they are in immediate danger.
  • Call 9-1-1 if the situation is dangerous and it is safe for you to do so.
  • Learn to recognize the signs of an abusive relationship and let them know if you see these signs in their relationship.
  • Let them know that you are always available to listen and be supportive. Accept that it might take them a while to open up.
  • Build their self-esteem and remind them that they deserve to be treated with respect.
  • Let them know that services like Birchway Niagara exist to help.
  • Let them know that they don’t have to leave their partner to get help.
  • Let them know that the abuse is not their fault.
  • Let them make their own choices about what is best for them.
  • If you are worried for the emotional and physical safety of their children, contact Family and Children’s Services.
  • Do not criticize them for staying or tell them to leave. Leaving an abusive relationship can be difficult and dangerous.
  • Be patient as they weigh their options.
  • Help them create a safety plan.
  • Do not judge them.

Contact Birchway Niagara’s 24-hour support line if you would like to talk about the situation and how you can help.

 Prevention and Public Education

Invite Birchway Niagara to raise awareness at your organization

Birchway Niagara welcomes opportunities to work with local schools, businesses and organizations. Let us work with you to create a presentation or workshop that is perfect for your group’s needs as, together, we raise awareness of topics including:

-understanding the red flags of an abusive relationship
-how to help someone in an abusive relationship
-healthy relationships
-healthy communication
-boundaries
-teen/youth specific content such as dating safety and healthy friendships
-safety planning
-why women stay in abusive situations
-information for men who mentor younger men (e.g., coaches)
-your responsibilities as an employer and how to effectively support someone in the workplace who is experiencing abuse
-steps individuals can take to stop gender-based violence

Birchway staff and volunteers are also happy to attend community information fairs and in-service presentations for staff meetings.

Submit the form below to connect with our Prevention and Public Education Manager.

Make a public education request
 Donate Securities & Mutual Funds

Avoid capital tax gains and maximize the size of your gift.

Visit CanadaHelps to learn how you can make a donation of securities or mutual funds to Birchway Niagara, and start the process using their online form.

Donate securities or mutual funds Learn More
  Legacy or Will

Remember Birchway Niagara in your estate planning.

Help to create a future without abuse by making a charitable gift in your Will, while still supporting those you love. Choosing how to remember Birchway Niagara in your Will is as personal as you are. You can choose to leave a dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or the remaining balance after providing for your loved ones - all thoughtful ways to leave your legacy.

Join the Birchway Niagara Legacy Circle

If you are comfortable sharing your decision or intention to make a future gift to Birchway Niagara, we would love to know more about your plans and to learn more about you so we can ensure that your wishes are fulfilled. Click here for a form that will help us to start connecting with you! Birchway Niagara’s Director of Development and Stewardship, Amanda Braet, would be pleased to meet with you or speak with you over the phone if you have questions about how to support Birchway Niagara as part of your estate planning. Reach out to her at 905-356-3933 ext. 240 or AmandaB@birchway.ca to talk or to set up a meeting.

Learn More About Legacy Giving
 Donate Stuff

Your gift of items can help survivors of abuse.

While financial donations are often the most effective way to help, you can also make an incredible impact by donating items that are commonly used by our clients. Consider donating some much-needed items such as pantry items, toiletries, baby items, gift cards, books, new clothing, household items and more. Currently, Birchway Niagara does not accept most used clothing and would encourage you to donate these items to our partners at Value Village.

Did you know you can donate items to Birchway Niagara without even leaving your home? Visit our Amazon Wishlist and the items you choose will be shipped directly to our door!

For your safety, please make an appointment for all in-person donations by contacting our Fundraising and Events Manager.

Click for a list of our most-needed items
 volunteer

Help create a future free of violence by donating your time!

The journey to becoming a Birchway Niagara volunteer starts by filling out our volunteer application. Tell us about your interests and availability when applying and If there are any opportunities that are a good match we will reach out to you.

Apply to Volunteer
 Become a Board Member

Donate your expertise

Are you a strategic leader who would like to donate your time and knowledge to help build a community without abuse? Consider making your impact by applying to become a Birchway Niagara board member! Applications are always welcome and will be kept on file for up to two years for consideration for future openings.

Individuals interested in joining our Board of Directors are invited to read more about this role.

Submit an application
 Create a fundraiser

Hosting a fundraiser is a great way help to end the cycle of violence.

Host an Online Fundraiser
Whether you are hosting an in-person event and want to invite your guests to support Birchway Niagara, or you are marking a special occasion and want to invite friends and family to make an online donation, it only takes a few minutes to launch your campaign!

Instructions to set up a Canada Helps fundraiser

Instructions to set up a Facebook fundraiser

Instructions to set up an Instagram fundraiser

Host a Fundraising Event
Do you or your organization have an idea to raise funds or awareness for Birchway Niagara? We would love to hear it! There are so many ways to bring the community together in support of survivors of abuse. Birchway Niagara’s allies have hosted lip sync battles, fundraising walks, food drives, car washes, raffles and more. Please read our guidelines and submit an event form so we can learn about your event and provide support such as securing necessary raffle licenses and helping to promote your event.

Submit event form Third-party fundraiser guidelines
 Corporate Sponsorship

How your business can become an ally.

How your business can become an ally:

  • Make a corporate donation.
  • Match employee donations.
  • Become an event sponsor.
  • Encourage your employees to participate in Brunch, Bid & Bowl.
  • Provide incentives for your employees to volunteer with our agency (e.g., as a board member, committee member or Book Riot volunteer).
  • Host a fundraising event or donation drive at your business.
  • Invite Birchway Niagara to your staff meeting or event to talk about our services and domestic violence.
  • Donate products and services to support our clients and fundraising events.

Reach out to our Fundraising Manager to discuss how you're organization can become an ally against abuse.

 Merchandise

Wear your Birchway support on your sleeve!

Purchasing Birchway Niagara merchandise raises awareness of our shelter and shows your community you are an ally. It’s a great way to start conversations about the work you are supporting.

Shop our online store
 Share Your Story

Did you use Birchway Niagara’s services?

Sharing your experiences with abuse and how our services helped you can help our allies understand the impact of their support. Tell us your story using our online form or set up a meeting with Birchway Niagara. You will be helping women and children who still need support.

Share your story
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