Yuk Yuk’s to host ‘Galentines’ fundraiser

By Amy Cook

Call it comedy with a cause: “Roses are red, violets are blue, we want to smash patriarchy with you.”

Spending money on a bouquet of roses and a box of chocolates this coming Valentine’s Day weekend is the conventional route.

But a chance to put that money toward a ticket to an evening of feminist-inspired stand-up comedy is being offered in Ottawa this Valentine’s.

Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club on Elgin Street is hosting a comedy fundraiser for the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women on Feb. 12 at 8 p.m.

The theme of the fundraiser is “Galentines,” the unofficial holiday in which ladies celebrate the love they share with their female friends.

The holiday originated with the TV sitcom Parks and Recreation, starring Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope.

The Knope character described the holiday as a day for lady friends to leave their husbands and boyfriends at home.

The idea for the Galentines-themed fundraiser came from Kate Forman, a Carleton University student doing a job placement with the coalition.

Executive director Erin Leigh said the coalition thought Valentine’s weekend would be a perfect opportunity to organize a fundraiser.

“It’s a good chance to get into people’s minds when there’s such a focus on romantic relationships,” Leigh said.

“I think it’s really good to have fundraisers like these, where people can just come out and have a really good time,” Forman added. “People can have some laughs, make new friends and enjoy themselves, while also raising funds for a really important organization.”

Liv Quintal, a student from the Richard Pfaff Alternative Program, said she’ll be attending the fundraiser in support of Forman.

“They’re an amazing person. They’re so eloquent and passionate about women’s rights,” Quintal said of Forman, who prefers the pronoun they.

“As a feminist myself, spending Valentine’s season with people who are also passionate and inclusive is an amazing thing,” she added.

Leigh said the coalition is pleased Forman was able to ensure the comedy will be centred on a feminist framework.

“I think especially when we’re having a fundraiser that’s specific to violence against women, it’s really important to highlight the voices of women and femme-identified folks,” Forman said.

The Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women, based at 250 City Centre Ave., works with member organizations to provide services for women and children who have experienced abuse, as well as survivors of sexual violence.

Forman said it’s rewarding to be involved with a coalition committed to emphasizing the diversity and dignity of women and children.

“The people working there are fantastic. It’s a really supportive environment, so I’m happy to do what I can for them,” they said.

Member organizations include shelters, crisis centres, family services and various community health and resource centres.

Leigh said bringing different service providers together allows them to identify how women are experiencing and navigating different systems.

“By working together we can really see the finger on the pulse of what survivors are experiencing,” Leigh said.

“They really listened to me,” recalled Diane George, who received support from the coalition for years.

“They got me involved in the public engagement committee and provided me with emotional support. They were amazing,” said George, now chair of the justice committee at the coalition.

Proceeds from the Galentines fundraiser will help the coalition improve and expand their programs and services.

Tickets can be purchased at yukyuks.com.