For Immediate Release HELP OVER 30,000 WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN CANADA REBUILD THEIR LIVES AFTER ABUSE Canadian Women’s Foundation, Winners, HomeSense and Rogers Media launch national campaign to end violence against women Toronto (ON) – April 16, 2012 – The Canadian Women’s Foundation, in partnership with Winners, HomeSense, and Rogers Media, has launched their annual Shelter from the Storm campaign, which will help more than 30,000 women and children across Canada rebuild their lives after abuse. Shelter from the Storm supports all 450+ shelters for abused women and their children nationwide and violence prevention programs. The campaign runs from April 16 until May 13. “Violence against women is a serious national issue. 61% of Canadians personally know a woman who has been physically or sexually abused,” says Beverley Wybrow, President and CEO of the Canadian Women’s Foundation. “Through Shelter from the Storm, we can encourage Canadians to support community programs that help women rebuild their lives after abuse, violence prevention programs that help teens learn to stop the abuse before it starts and local women’s shelters that provide support and safety to women and children across Canada.” Canadians can help support Shelter from the Storm by visiting their local Winners or HomeSense and purchasing one of the products designed exclusively in support of ending violence against women. This year’s featured products include various items such as an umbrella, rainboots and many others that are perfect for the spring season. For a full list of items and prices please see the list below. Canadians can also show their support by purchasing a decal for $2, $5 or $10 for a chance to win one of many instant prizes or one of three $1,000 Winners/HomeSense shopping sprees. “Winners and HomeSense are honoured to launch this year’s fundraising efforts with an extended selection of stylish collectibles to help raise funds, build awareness and ultimately, stop violence against women,” says Shannon Johnson, Winners HomeSense spokesperson. "By purchasing one of this year’s exclusive product line items, you are joining in a powerful movement that will help break the cycle of violence.” To make an online donation or to find out more information about Shelter from the Storm please visit, www.shelterfromthestorm.ca -30About Canadian Women’s Foundation The Canadian Women’s Foundation is Canada’s public foundation for women and girls. We empower women and girls in Canada to move out of violence, out of poverty and into confidence. Since 1991, we’ve raised money and invested in over 1,100 community programs across Canada, and are now one of the ten largest women’s foundations in the world. We take a positive approach to address root causes of the most critical issues facing women and girls. We study and share the best ways to create long-term change and bring community organizations together for training and to learn from each other. We carefully select and fund the programs with the strongest outcomes and regularly evaluate their work. We have a special focus on building a community of women helping other women. Helping women creates safer families and communities, and a more prosperous society for all of us. We invest in the power of women and the dreams of girls. For more information please visit www.canadianwomen.org For more information or interview requests, please contact: Sabrina Ramlall Fleishman-Hillard [email protected] 416-645-8207 Sara Beckford Fleishman-Hillard [email protected] 416-645-8184 Editors Note: When referring to the Canadian Women's Foundation, please use the full name. Please do not abbreviate or use acronyms. Winners / HomeSense Products Item Description Retail Plush Owl Hand-crafted in India $12.99 Adult chic patterned Rainboots $29.99 Children’s owl patterned Rainboots $19.99 2 Pack Baby’s Onesie Cotton T-Shirt (White, Purple, and Black) Women’s – 95% Cotton, 5% Spandex Men’s – 100% Spandex $9.99 $12.99 Definitions of Charity, Confidence, Strength, Love, and Courage are screened on this quality cotton T. Patterned Umbrella Compact, easy grip with rubber handle $12.99 Glass Bottle An eco choice. $7.99 2 Flavours: Triple Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix On Oprah’s favourite list. $9.99 Reusable Bag - Multi Pattern & Stripe Pattern An eco choice. $1.49 Gourmet Jelly Bean Jar 36 flavours No artificial flavours or colours Imported from Ireland $12.99 Sterling Silver inscribed love tag Necklace 18” chain (English & French) Has definition of “Love” inscribed. $39.99 Fashion Piggy Bank - Ceramic Decorated with the definition of love “Save for your charity of choice in style” “Save fashionably” $14.99 Diffuser – 2 long lasting scents Fresh Lemongrass Vanilla Coconut $9.99 Sports Towel Definitions of Charity, Confidence, Strength, Love, and Courage are on this perfect sports towel. $7.99