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RUTLAND Ladies’ Haven is a drop-in program aimed
at helping women in the community who are in need of friendship.
A ministry of the Kelowna Church of the Nazarene, the
centre was founded in 2001.
“All women are welcome, with or without
children,” said Moira Bandurka, church administrator.
“It’s a place for women to come and feel safe.”
From September to June, women can drop in at Houseman
Hall, at the back of the church. Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 12:
30 pm, they find time to build new friendships, learn crafts and hear an
encouraging message.
They are also treated to a light lunch – free of
charge, courtesy of local merchants such as Cooper’s Foods, IGA,
Annagret’s Chocolates and Granada Bakery. Thanksgiving and Christmas
lunches are also provided.
The organizers don’t want to simply provide
handouts, however. “The ladies do knitting and sewing for various
outreaches, to give them a sense of self-worth – as many of them have
had very difficult lives, and don’t have a lot of self-esteem,”
explained Bandurka.
“Each year, they put together stockings for the
homeless. Each stocking [contains] personal care items. They also make baby
caps for the hospital, and bandages to send to hospitals in Third World
countries.” With each stitch they sew for these meaningful projects,
the women are reminded that they have something to offer the community.
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“We are always looking for people who can come
and teach a craft, a skill – or to provide treats such as manicures,
hair styling and massages for the ladies,” said Bandurka.
“We have no budget, so it all has to be free of
charge.”
Bandurka added that the women’s greatest material
needs are grocery money and clothing.
Contact: 250-868-2238 or kelownanazarenechurch.org.
– Lailani Mendoza
May 2009
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