Raymond 4-H delivers for Safe Haven

Westwind Weekly News Photo By Trevor Busch SHELTER REWARD: Staff of Safe Haven Women’s Shelter in Taber gathered outside last week to receive a $12,000 donation from Raymond 4-H Club members Kelsey Campbell, Shaylie Campbell, Elissa Bueckert, Valerie Giesbrecht, Abigail Giesbrecht, and Addison Quinton (pictured centre). The girls each raised a calf for auction in 2023 with the proceeds donated to Safe Haven.

By Trevor Busch
Westwind Weekly News

With domestic violence issues remaining an ever-present problem in many southern Alberta communities, the Raymond 4-H Club is doing what they can to help.

On Thursday, club members Kelsey Campbell, Shaylie Campbell, Elissa Bueckert, Valerie Giesbrecht, Abigail Giesbrecht, and Addison Quinton were at Safe Haven Women’s Shelter in Taber to provide a $12,000 donation to the society, alongside leaders Darci Campbell and Carolyn Bueckert.

The girls, who were involved in beef projects in 2023, decided to engage in the 4-H spirit and raise calves for auction with the proceeds to be donated to Safe Haven.

“They asked companies to donate the calf and feed, and their club the insurance, while these girls set off to do the work for not only raising their beef market steer, but to add another one to halter break, feed, wash and care for since early November 2022,” said leader Carolyn Bueckert, who noted the calves went to sale on June 3 at the Lethbridge Exhibition. “With the help of their many sponsors and Balog Auction Services at their show and sale, they were able to raise over $12,000 for Safe Haven Shelter! It was really only one or two girls that knew about Safe Haven before this fundraiser, and wanted to raise awareness for the needs of this wonderful place. The Raymond 4-H beef projects are very grateful for the opportunity to help.”

Safe Haven Women’s Shelter Society uses a community-based trauma informed response to bring together health, education, criminal justice, law enforcement and community agencies in providing direct services.

They currently offer emergency shelter services, child support, outreach services, 24-hour crisis support, and public education, and they support clients through crisis, court proceedings, safety planning, obtaining ID, accessing counselling and medical assistance, as well as obtaining employment and securing housing.

“We are always extremely grateful to receive money to ensure we can continue the important work we do,” reads a statement from the society. “Fundraising and community donations are an important part of our budget. Funds raised or donations we receive are vital to ensure we can continue our programming and services.”