A Centretown resident is channeling her creativity to help prevent sexual violence against women by raising funds for the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa.
Under the name “Sheri Muse,” event planner Sheri Chiprout has put together what she hopes will be the first two of many creative fundraising initiatives.
Chiprout says she titled the events “Elevate” to represent positivity and empowerment. Chiprout has always had a passion for women’s causes and was inspired by a close friend to focus her efforts towards preventing sexual violence against women.
With a goal in mind, Chiprout reached out to the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa. Established in 1983, the non-profit charity provides support to survivors of sexual violence. The centre offers drop-in support at Centretown’s St. John the Evangelist church.
The SASC does not receive government funding and therefore relies solely on community donations and grants.
According to Keara Dean, a fundraising co-ordinator and support worker at the SASC, it is very rare for the centre to be approached by outside members of the community with such a distinct plan of action.
“It was pretty amazing . . . a lot of people have interest but Sheri took that a step further, she took the interest and heart she had and turned it into initiative.”
Chiprout says in regard to seeking community support for the event. Chiprout was successful in applying for the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s Micro-Grant program.
According to Samantha Banks, director of initiatives for the emerging generation at the JFO, the Elevate events provide a welcomed opportunity for the organization to support positive action in the community.
Chiprout will also be contributing a small portion of the funds raised to the Jewish Family Services Shalom Shalom Bayit Program. The program supports victims of domestic abuse.
In mid-October, the first Elevate event, an eclectic gala, took place at the downtown nightclub Mercury Lounge. The colorful event featured a local DJ, tarot card reader, henna tattoo artist and other unique forms of entertainment.
On Nov. 24, Chiprout will be hosting the second event, a unique “yoga soiree,” at the Orange Art Gallery located in Wellington West. The evening will feature an acrobatic yoga demonstration, yoga flow and guided meditation session.
Chiprout has been involved with event planning for many years. Her current position as office manager at Scholars at Your Service, allows her to plan overseas travel and special events.
In the past, she has worked to plan a broad spectrum of events, such as contributing to the annual fashion show for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.
Chiprout says that hosting the Elevate events will allow her to use the network she has already developed while forming new professional connections.
Chiprout and Dean both agree that making a conscious effort to include men in both the events is essential.
“They’re part of the solution. They’re often the perpetrators (of sexual violence) but they can also be the heroes,” says Chiprout.
“It’s really important for some of the responsibility to be put back on men,” says Dean. “Women are told they need to take responsibility for their own safety but the message needs to also be about prevention and responsibility.”
If both events sell out, Chiprout says she will raise upwards of $3,000.
“I just want to build momentum with these first two events. I’ve got plenty of ideas in my back pocket for what’s next.”