Wishlists CAWES Amazon Wishlist Help support our clients by purchasing vitally needed items here... Read More Spring Has Sprung 2023 Wishlist Find out more about our 2023 Spring Wishlist here... Read More For other ways to contribute to CAWES , learn about available Volunteer Opportunities or go to our main Get Involved page.

< Back CAWES Amazon Wishlist More information on our "Amazon Wishlist Program" will be coming soon. In the meantime please direct any enquiries to generalinfo@cawes.com where a member of staff will be happy to help. Previous Next

< Back Spring Has Sprung 2023 Wishlist At CAWES, your donation makes a difference. We are fortunate to see firsthand the generosity from the Central Alberta Community all coming together to ensure that those experiencing violence are able to celebrate the beautiful weather with supportive people around them. Every spring, we bring hope and are reminded of the strength this support lends to the women and children we serve. All donations are put to use immediately. The women and children are grateful for your donation as it helps to accomplish their goals and dreams for a better future. Together, we can do so much for the women and children that are fleeing violence throughout Central Alberta. When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed. Your donation today will help transform lives. If you would like to donate today, please review our Spring Wishlist below… Urgent Needs: Ladies pajama's (all sizes) Ladies spring/fall jackets (all sizes) Ladies sneakers & sandals (sizes 7 & 8) Children's shoes & sandals (all sizes) New ladies underwear Baby wipes (all varieties) Diapers size 6 Size 4 boys clothes Belts (all sizes) Twin sized comforters Backpacks Baby crib mattress Shampoo and conditioner Body wash Toothpaste & toothbrushes for adults Hair brushes Fans Bath towels Pillow cases & pillow protectors Feminine hygiene products such as tampons Face cloths Blankets (twin, double, and queen sizes) Women: New underwear Bras & sports bras Pajamas Shoes such as runners Yoga pants, sweatpants, and leggings Umbrellas Infants, Toddlers & Young Children (Girls & Boys): Summer clothes Umbrellas Running shoes Rubber boots New underwear Teen Girls & Boys: New underwear & boxers Summer clothes Hoodies Running shoes & rubber boots Rain jackets Gift Cards The donation of gift cards will give women the opportunity to personally shop for special occasions, birthday gifts, food, clothing, and more for their children and themselves. This simple act will give our clients a sense of normalcy and empowerment. Gift cards to shopping malls, department stores, and big box stores (i.e. Walmart) provide lots of choices and versatility for gift buying. To donate, or for more information, please contact the Central Alberta Women's Emergency Shelter at 403-346-5643 or generalinfo@cawes.com . Please allow up to 48 hours for a member of our team to respond to messages. Unless otherwise stated donations can be dropped off on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm. Thank you from all of us at CAWES. Previous Next

Frequently Asked Questions Useful Information We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers for your convenience. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, reach out to generalinfo@cawes.com and we’ll respond to your inquiry as quickly as possible. Q : Does it cost anything to stay at the Central Alberta Women's Emergency Shelter ? A : No , all of our services are completely free of charge. Always . Q : I think I am in an abusive relationship. What should I do? A : Call one of our counselors at 1-888-346-5643 to speak with them in confidence. We are available to talk 24 hours a day / 7 days a week . Visit our Learning Centre to help understand family violence and what your options are. Q : Do you help men who are being abused? A : Yes . Violence against men is a serious issue in our community, and it is important for men to know that there are resources available to them. Men who are experiencing domestic violence (including psychological, verbal, physical, financial and spiritual abuse) can speak with our trained counselors by calling 1-888-346-5643 24 hours a day / 7 days a week . All calls are confidential. Q : How much of the money that you raise goes to help women and children affected by family violence? A : Our administrative costs are less than 10% of total expenditures. That means 90 cents out of every dollar goes directly to fund programs for families affected by domestic violence. Administrative costs include heating the shelter, maintaining our state-of-the-art security system and ensuring that we employ people who are experts in their field of domestic violence. Without these costs, we would not be able to provide the high level of care we are so proud of. The Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter strives to maintain the highest level of accountability, transparency and effectiveness in all our efforts. We welcome inquiries concerning our financial policies and expenditure profile. You can view our annual report and audited financial summary here . Q : I would like to start raising funds for CAWES. How should I go about doing this? A : Thank you! As an organization that relies on community funds for nearly 40% of our budget, your fundraising efforts are truly appreciated! Visit our Fundraising page to learn more about or how to get further involved with CAWES . Looking for other ways to contribute to CAWES ? View our available volunteer opportunities , or learn how you can donate to our organization

Family Violence Helpline CAWES trained case workers are available 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, 365 days-a-year to support you in your journey. We are here to answer your questions, hear your voice, and provide support and advice in a non-judgmental environment. We understand that no two relationships are the same, and your situation is unique. Wherever you are, whatever you need – we are here to help. Local: 1-403-346-5643 , Toll Free: 1-888-346-5643 , Crisis Textline: 1-403-506-0485 . CAWES relies on the generosity of the community to maintain these programs and services for women in need. To learn how you can contribute to CAWES , read about our Donation Options , or browse our current Volunteer Opportunities .

1/1 We believe Every individual has a right to live free from domestic violence Tammy's Story “The first time a man hit me I was 15 years old…" Read More Anita's Story "I have always said that my life began 17 years ago – I am now 45 years of age. For the first 28 years, I walked on this earth as though I lived in a haze…" Read More Heather's Story “…It never felt real that this did really happen to me and if it didn’t feel real to me how could other people believe me?” Read More CAWES provides shelter and assistance to women and their children who have suffered a variety of abuse. These are their stories... Survivor Stories

Get Informed According to the latest figures from Statistics Canada, (published October 2022), 2021 marked the fifth consecutive year of increase in the numbers of family violence incidents reported to police. Women and girls represented almost 70% of these victims, with the rate of family violence two times greater for this group as opposed to men and boys. In addition, intimate partner violence also increased in 2021, marking the seventh consecutive year of rises in this type of abuse. Eight in ten victims were female. ​ These figures highlight the growing challenges CAWES faces as a service as demand for help grows. Statistics Presentations Learning Centre Links & Resources

Hosting an Event Show your support for CAWES by organizing a fundraising event. From BBQ’s to fashion shows and golf tournaments, you have the power to engage the community and raise important funds for families affected by domestic violence. ​ We’re here to help ensure your event is a success ! Download our Fundraising Toolkit for tips and tools on hosting an event that will get everybody talking. And be sure to email us with your idea so we can provide you with official CAWES materials and help to promote your event. ​ Email generalinfo@cawes.com to discuss your idea further. Let Us Know About Your CAWES Event First Name Last Name Email Event Details Event Date Send Thanks for submitting!

Get Involved You Can Make a Difference Whatever your means or preference, there are many ways you can make a difference in the lives of the women and children CAWES help. The Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter provides vital services to the region, and that is made possible thanks to the support of people like you. ​ CAWES is grateful for all of the caring and compassionate people that support our work. Your contribution of time, talent, and treasure has a critical impact in our effort to end family violence in Central Alberta and beyond. ​ We invite you to provide hope to our vulnerable women and their children through a variety of giving options including those who would like to support the ongoing needs of the service through our wish list, or would like to create their own fundraiser dedicated to CAWES . ​ Whichever support channel you choose, we thank you for your consideration and generosity. Donate Start making a difference today... Click below to learn more about the many way you can donate to CAWES Read More Wishlist A one-stop shop for vital essentials to help our clients Click below to see our latest wishlist needs Read More Fundraise Have fun and raise money for a good cause! Click below to find out more about how to start your own fundraiser to benefit CAWES Read More News & Events Want to find out more about what's going on at CAWES? Click below to get up-to-date on the latest news and events from CAWES Read More

Outreach and Follow Up Our Outreach worker provides information, referrals, and support to women affected by domestic violence in Red Deer and surrounding rural communities. Clients may or may not have stayed in the shelter. This program provides essential support and information about family violence, safety planning, and resources available to people experiencing family violence. It also works to empower women with tools and strategies for becoming independent and fulfilled. CAWES relies on the generosity of the community to maintain these programs and services for women in need. To learn how you can contribute to CAWES , read about our Donation Options , or browse our current Volunteer Opportunities .

Programs & Services At CAWES we offer a broad range of culturally sensitive programs and services to help women and their families overcome the impact of family violence and domestic abuse. Family Violence Helpline Learn More Accommodation and Basic Emergency Services Learn More Crisis Intervention Learn More Child Support Program Learn More Outreach and Follow Up Learn More Information / Referrals Learn More Domestic Violence Court Program Learn More CAWES relies on the generosity of the community to maintain these programs and services for women in need. To learn how you can contribute to CAWES , read about our Donation Options , or browse our current Volunteer Opportunities .

Child Support Program At CAWES , we know that children are the future of our community, and we envision a future where all children feel safe, supported and encouraged to thrive. Our innovative Children’s Healing Centre provides a safe, nurturing environment for children to: Share their distress and pain in a trusting atmosphere Learn healthy and appropriate behavior Develop positive self-esteem Gather awareness about family violence Programming is consistent with age/developmental level and includes: Individual support and counseling Group support for children in-house SNOEZELEN multi-sensory therapies Recreational activities and outings Child-care while moms are attending appointments CAWES relies on the generosity of the community to maintain these programs and services for women in need. To learn how you can contribute to CAWES , read about our Donation Options , or browse our current Volunteer Opportunities .