During the fundraising event, honourary chairs Allison Leil and Brian Bowden were recognized and thanked for the work they did “from the very beginning.” Photo by Richard MacKenzie /The NewsArticle contentNEW GLASGOW – A week that included a public forum to talk about issues around the shelter and its clientele finished on more of a pleasant note for folks with Viola’s Place as they held a first-time fundraiser on Oct. 5. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentTaking place at Summer Street Industries, the afternoon event included music, a rug hooking silent auction, remarks from Viola’s Place executive director Lisa Deyoung, and a keynote speech from former Pictou County resident Jim Gunn who is currently the board chair of Beacon House Interfaith Society, which oversees an operation in Lower Sackville which shares many of the same goals and challenges with Viola’s Place. Article contentArticle contentArticle content“Your presence here is a powerful reminder that hope is stronger when we stand together,” Deyoung said to those on hand for the event. “As many of you know, Viola’s Place is more than just a shelter. Yes, we provide beds, meals, and warmth, but what we really offer is dignity, care, and a sense of belonging.” Article contentShe said the event wasn’t just about raising funds. Article content“It’s about raising compassion and a deeper understanding,” Deyoung said. “And standing together for what truly matters. Community is at its strongest when we choose humanity over fear.” Article content Viola’s Place executive director Lisa Deyoung provided remarks during the event. Photo by Richard MacKenzie /The NewsArticle contentArticle contentA FAMILIAR ROAD Article contentGunn said Beacon House has a total of 51 beds in its shelter, and it has gone through what Viola’s Place is experiencing now, as demonstrated by the strong turnout at the Oct. 1 forum and the impassioned voices of frustration and fear by area residents. Article content“Some in the neighbourhood were demanding we be shut down; we were shouted down at a very difficult public meeting,” Gunn said, adding he was at the forum earlier in the week and was impressed by the decorum shown by the speakers and audience in general. Article contentArticle contentHe also noted the neighbourhood they’re located in includes homes and apartments, as well as a recreation field, a junior high school, and a shopping plaza. Article content Former Pictou County resident Jim Gunn was the guest speaker for the event, and he talked about parallels he sees between Viola’s Place and Beacon House in Lower Sackville, where he is the board chair of the society which oversees its operation. Photo by Richard MacKenzie /The NewsArticle contentArticle content“We have been fairly successful in addressing the concerns, but we know too, being a good neighbour is a challenge one day at a time,” Gunn said. Article content“I will just say, generally, having a collaborative working relationship, engaging in frequent communication to raise awareness and hear concerns, the enforcement of our rules, and strategies to respond decisively to specific incidents, have contributed to lowering the levels of frustration and fear. It hasn’t been easy, and you can never stop.” Article contentGunn said that while moving Viola’s Place out of its current neighbourhood would be welcomed by those in the area, it doesn’t mean those who use the shelter would all of a sudden vanish. Article content“And wherever is its new location, there will be opposition,” he said. “Even if it’s moved to a location perceived to be out of sight, out of mind, the clients of Viola’s Place will still be on your streets, at your malls, McDonald’s, and Tim Hortons, just as they are now.”
Viola’s Place holds first-time fundraising event
