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Victoria women's transition houses receive large donation

Royal LePage coast Capital Realty raised over $42,000 in 2014 for four women's transition houses in Greater Victoria
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Marlene Goley

Women's transition houses across Greater Victoria will be able to continue helping women in need, thanks to a donation from Royal LePage.

“[The] Royal LePage Shelter Foundation was started up by Royal LePage back in the late 90s to support local shelters across Canada,” said Bill Ethier, president and managing broker of Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty.

The $42,157.93 raised by Royal LePage in 2014 was split evenly between The Cridge Transition House for Women, Victoria Women's Transition House, Margaret Laurence House and Sooke Transition House.

All four shelters received half of their portion of the money in the fall, around $5,000 each. Royal LePage presented them with the rest of the money this week.

“We try to give it out in chunks throughout the year, because they need it as the year goes on,” said Ethier.

Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty has raised almost $200,000 for local women's transition houses since 1998.

Joanne Specht, manager of communications and fund development for The Cridge Centre for the Family, said the centre relies on donations such as this.

“We can't do what we do unless we have the community's support,” she said.

The money from Royal LePage goes specifically toward The Cridge's Transition House for Women, which is a place for women with or without children who are escaping violent or abusive relationships.

“It feels good to be able to do something that has a direct impact,” said Ethier.

Women also receive support such as counselling or help accessing income assistance or court services.

“Our staff are there to help them with whatever they need,” said Specht.