International Women’s Day: Modo Business member spotlights

In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8th, we are spotlighting a few fabulous organizations who are Modo Business members. These organizations make a difference in our community and women’s lives year-round! Our members at SWAN Vancouver, WISH Drop-in Centre Society, Shelter Movers and Aunt Leah’s share their stories.

 

SWAN is a charity that promotes the rights, health, and safety of immigrant women engaged in indoor sex work through frontline services and advocacy.

“Throughout the pandemic, Modo has enabled outreach staff to deliver PPE, harm reduction supplies and workplace health and safety information to women from Richmond to Abbotsford. The women who access SWAN’s services experienced a sudden and near complete loss of income and the majority were unable to access government financial support. SWAN set up a relief fund and distributed $15,000 to support 70 women. To address how the pandemic has exacerbated anti-Asian racism locally, SWAN created a Messages of Hope Board where community members can offer messages of kindness and compassion to the women. We would like to thank Modo for enabling SWAN staff to continue providing support to some of our community’s most marginalized women!”

Shelter Movers is a national, volunteer-powered charitable organization providing moving and storage services at no cost to women and children fleeing abuse.

“Survivors face the prospect of losing everything when they decide to leave an abusive home, as moving and storing one’s belongings is expensive and logistically complicated. It is also dangerous, because abusers are most likely to escalate control (up to and including femicide) when a survivor (1) announces their intention to leave or (2) when the abuser learns she is pregnant.

Shelter Movers is the only service of its kind in Canada, and we help survivors of gender-based violence transition to a better, safer life. We alleviate the financial burdens of moving and take care of the stressful planning process. Corporate partnerships with companies like Modo are what enable us to provide these valuable services at no cost, and to continue to work hard to support survivors of abuse in our local communities.”

WISH is the largest organization in Canada supporting sex workers and the only drop-in centre in the region supporting them 365 nights a year.

“For almost 40 years, WISH has been a refuge and an essential point of contact for street-based sex workers who have been made vulnerable due to poverty, homelessness, trauma, violence, stigma, and a lack of access to supports and opportunities.

WISH will be hosting a panel discussion on March 11th in honour of International Women’s Day. Join us for our first-ever WISH Talks virtual event and listen directly from current and former street-based sex workers as they challenge perspectives on violence, reconciliation, trans inclusivity, family separation and stigma. Register today for the free event!”

Aunt Leah’s is building a brighter future for foster kids for over 30 years.

“Aunt Leah’s Place has helped prevent children in foster care from becoming homeless, and mothers in need from losing custody of their children throughout Metro Vancouver for over 30 years. For a fourth year in a row, Aunt Leah’s has been selected as one of the Top 10 Impact Charities in Canada. You can find more info about us on our website here.”

If you’re an organization carsharing with Modo and interested in a blog feature, please get in touch at marketing@modo.coop – we love highlighting member stories and the good work you do in our communities!