TERRACE, B.C. – Two Northwest B.C. organizations are receiving essential funding from Rio Tinto to enhance services for individuals affected by domestic and family violence, coinciding with the launch of the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
Ksan Society in Terrace and the Elizabeth Fry Society in Burns Lake will receive a share of $400,000 in national funding, distributed across 15 organizations in Canada. This marks the sixth consecutive year Rio Tinto has contributed to this initiative, which supports critical services like shelter, counselling, education, and support for women, children, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Local Services Strengthened
The funding will provide significant support to vital local anti-violence programming:
- Ksan Society (Terrace): The funds will aid the Society’s comprehensive anti-violence programming, which includes Community-Based Victim Services, Women’s Trauma Counselling, and the PEACE Program for Children & Youth. Ksan also operates social housing and emergency shelters, such as the Transition House and Ella’s Place Second Stage Program, providing safe haven for women and children fleeing abuse.
- Elizabeth Fry Society (Burns Lake): The funds will benefit programs operating out of the Eagle’s Nest Transition House, which offers 24/7 shelter and support, including crisis intervention, advocacy, and specialized counselling like the Stopping the Violence Program for residents of the Lakes District.
Corporate Commitment to Community Safety
Rio Tinto views the funding as an extension of its commitment to safety, starting with its own workforce and extending to the communities around its operations. Since 2020, the company has contributed $2.335 million to Canadian organizations through this initiative.
Jérôme Pécresse, Rio Tinto Aluminium and Lithium Chief Executive, underscored the necessity of the support. “Gender-based violence has significant impacts on individuals and families, and organisations across Canada provide critical assistance to those affected,” he said. “Through this initiative, we are contributing to the work they do to protect individuals and strengthen community resilience.”
The company also offers internal support measures for its employees experiencing gender-based violence, including additional paid leave, emergency accommodation, financial assistance, and specialized training to help colleagues offer safe and appropriate support.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign runs from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day, serving as a global call to end violence against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.
