Planning start early in the year to ensure that as many board members and management staff are on hand to thank as many society members as possible. It would be impossible to over-state how important our society members are to the ongoing growth and service of The Cridge Centre. The breakfast is an opportunity to connect, to inform and always to thank.

The morning of, Chef Nik and his team roll out of bed early to prepare a delicious breakfast – this year the choices were between a tasty spanich omelette and a healthy fruit and yogourt parfait. An opening grace, an opening welcome, conversation over the meal, and a special presentation about one of the programs is always part of the morning. This year, Nicole Andrews of The Cridge Young Parent Outreach Program shared the microphone with both a current and a past client to give a sense of the difference that program is making for young moms in the community. 

The members of the society are the spine in the body of The Cridge Centre. Christians interested in finding out more about this opportunity to contribute to The Cridge Centre should contact Pat Bailey by phone at (250) 995-6410 or by email at pbailey@cridge.org.

What’s a manicure worth? What about a haircut? Time for yourself? Now – what price would you put on an evening of pampering, complete with professional hair, make-up and nail treatments and a decadent dessert tea, all while your children are safely cared for nearby.

For the women of The Cridge Dovetail Services, that priceless evening was provided this week by the Dream Women at Adore Victoria, a congregation that meets at Glad Tidings church whose purpose is to love God, build community, serve the church and send prepared disciples. This was the second evening of pampering that the Dream Women, “A network of women of all ages who dream for their God, their church and their city,” have provided for Dovetail clients, and the gift of time, attention and fellowship is one that is hard to translate. 

For many of us, getting a haircut is as routine as paying the electricity bill, but for some of our clients struggling with poverty, getting a haircut never quite gets to the top of the budget. For other clients recovering from abusive relationships that kept them isolated, an evening in a safe place with a group of friends old and new relaxing, connecting, chatting, and just being themselves is a gift beyond measure.

Marlene Letendre, the Dovetail staff person who attended the evening, said , “it’s hard to put into words what this evening means for the women. You can see them transform as they move from the manicure station to getting their hair and makeup done. It’s not just the outside changing. Some of the women said they couldn’t remember the last time someone paid so much kind attention to them.”

The first evening the Dream Women hosted Dovetail clients was in November 2011, and the clients continued to remark on what a special evening it was for more than a month afterwards. In their gracious generosity, their giving spirits and loving actions, the Dream Women of Adore truly embody the admonition of John “My little children, let us not love win word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18).

And then every once in a while, the various levels of government proclaim a week to focus on something in particular. It's usually a reflection of that government's values, which tells us a lot about the many weeks that happened this week and the jurisdictions they happened in. 

1. Prevention of Violence Against Women Week, BC & the District of Saanich.

I wrote yesterday about Saanich Mayor Frank Leonard's proclamation of Prevention of Violence Against Women Week, and that it occurs within a 15 year standing mandate of the province. To continue to promote this conversation is essential, as violence against women continues to plague our communities. The unsolved murder of Lindsay Buziak. The missing women's inquiry in Vancouver. The network of Transition Houses across the province – including The Cridge Transition House for Women – who work together to ensure that women and children find the safest possible homes.

We've come a long way, baby … but not far enough. This conversation can't end until every woman and child is safe in their homes. 

2.  Volunteer Appreciation Week, Canada

Across Canada, celebrations were held this week for the 13.3 million Canadians who give of their time and talents to support the good work of our many charities and non-profits. Fromthe art to the environment to social services, charities rely on the giving spritis and strong bodies of volunteers. Here at The Cridge Centre, the convergence of Prevention of Violence Against Women Week was noted in a 'Thank-You Cheesecake Tea" for the volunteers at The Cridge Transition House for Women.

What stood out in conversations with the volunteers was that while they are clearly devoted to the difference they make with the women and children at the house – two volunteers were recognized for their more than a decade of service each – they also contribute to many other worthy causes in town. These women give, repeatedly and faithfully, in ways that matter to them and make a lasting difference for those they serve. Thank you, even accompanied by cheesecake, doesn't feel like enough. 

3. Gift Planning Week, Victoria 

In recognition of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners national conference taking place this week in Victoria, Mayor Dean Fortin declared this 'Gift Planning Week' in the capital city. it's a great reminder to let each of you know that if you would like more information about planned giving, or have already planned a future gift to The Cridge Centre, we're happy to talk with you about that.

You can get more information on the 'giving' page of our website or simply contact Shannon Whissell at (250) 995-6419 or via email at swhissell (at) cridge (dot) org

Chief Executive Officer Shelley Morris shares the prayers of all who knew Anne and benefited from her committment to our work: 

"With heavy hearts for ourselves and her family, we announce the news that Anne Spicer, beloved board member emeritus and matriarch of The Cridge Centre has been promoted to glory and reunited in heaven with her beloved spouse Dick.

A servant of the Lord in every respect, Anne changed the world.  Deeply respected, dearly loved, our Anne will always be remembered, and we will strive to make her proud and to serve in the way that she taught us."

Beyond ABC there is a World of Possibility… 

Victoria is blessed with a bevy of talented women, and few are more talented than the foursome of Maria Manna, Miranda Sage, Maureen Washington and Melinda Whitaker. These great ladies of jazz are all accomplished songstresses and recording artists in their own right and combined they create a night to remember.

The Cridge Centre for the Family is blessed to have them joining forces to raise the roof of Alix Goolden Hall– and support for The Cridge Respitality Service – on Friday, March 30, 2012. All proceeds from this high-class concert will support the families of The Cridge Respitality Service, now in its eleventh year of service to the community!

A very special guest for the evening will be Sky Mundell, the 2011 winner of Vancouver Island’s Got Talent, whose family benefitted from The Cridge Respitality Service. Sky was born with cerebral palsy, but despite being blind and hearing impaired, has become a champion jazz pianist. We’re honoured and excited that he’ll be part of the concert.

The Cridge Respitality Service makes a real difference for families. As one grateful mom recently wrote after experiencing a Respitality night,

“Checking in was like walking into a dream. Everything was beautiful, quiet and calm. For 24 hours, time stopped. We actually relaxed (and slept) for the first time in months. It was a magical interlude. Now our batteries are recharged enough to face the next set of 'adventures'.”

The divas in their gowns and gentleman musicians in their tuxes promise to make One Great Night a concert to remember, as they showcase some of the greatest ballads and standards of the last century. Jazz lovers and community supporters alike are promised a great night out!

This fun evening of music and celebration is a great value, as adult tickets are only $20 and tickets for seniors (65+) and youth (18 or younger) are just $15.

This great event is sponsored by salon owners Chris & Garry Preston. Salon manager Megan, along with 8 other professional stylists, will provide great basic cuts for a minimum suggested donation of $15. With refreshments, door prizes, and an information table about The Cridge Respitality Service, the event is a fun, family-friendly time. 

Last year over $1,500 was raised at the event, and with more stylists this year promises to be an even bigger contribution to the families who rely on The Cridge Respitality Service. 

Details:

• Sunday, March 4, 2012
• Noon – 4:00 pm
• headstart hair design – 1315 cook street
• haircuts by donation (suggested minimum $15)

Janelle Breese Biagioni, community services coordinator for The Cridge Brain Injury Services, shares her experience of the impact brain injury has on families. Later in the week, Geoff Sing, manager of The Cridge Brain Injury Services will speak on the broader impact on society of brain injuries, and services and support for survivors.

You can listen to  the CBC One podcasts on the All Points West website. Each day's converstations are linked below.

• Tuesday, January 10 – Conversation with a brain injury survivor (Starts at 6:55 of podcast)
• Wednesday, January 11 - Dr. Paul Winston from the Neurorehab Clinic at Victoria General Hospital (Starts at beginning of podcast)
• Thursday, January 12 - Janelle Breese Biagioni, community services coordinator for The Cridge Brain Injury Serivces, speaks about the impact of brain injury on families (Starts at 10:37 of podcast)
• Friday, January 13 – Geoff Sing, Manager of The Cridge Brain Injury Services, speaks to Jo-Ann Roberts about the link between brain injury and homelessness, and supports in the community to break that link (Starts at 9:34 of the podcast)

How has brain injury impacted your life?