We invite you to join us in the spirit of reconciliation with the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal (NWSM) for the 10th annual Spirit Walk fundraiser. It will be held on June 15, 2024 on Mount Royal (or virtually from June 1-15th). Since 2013, the Spirit Walk has been an important event for both the NWSM and the Montreal community to actively take steps toward supporting and raising essential funds for Indigenous women and children accessing the NWSM’s services.
This year our theme is empowering our youth. The goal of this year’s Spirit Walk is to raise funds for the creation of a Youth Worker position at Cabot Square (near Atwater metro) to connect with Indigenous youth in precarious living situations and support their safety. Many Indigenous youth aging out of the foster care system find themselves living in vulnerable circumstances which can lead them to be targets for human traffickers and other predators. The Youth Worker position is urgently needed to advocate for these Indigenous youth and to connect them with the tools, information and services they need to feel empowered and thrive.
Funds raised this year will also support the NWSM’s annual healing retreat. The healing retreat offers the women and children staying at the Shelter the rare opportunity to leave the city, be close to the land, share their stories, receive teachings and participate in traditional healing ceremonies.
TO PARTICIPATE, FOLLOW THESE STEPS:
1. Register as a 2024 Spirit Walker by clicking the "REGISTRATION" button on the right of the screen and pay the $20 registration fee (or more). In registering, you will be prompted to create a fundraiser profile. Tell us why you support the Native Women’s Shelter of Montréal.
2. Solicit donations among your network until June 15, 2024.
3. WALK WITH US!
In person: Walk with us on June 15, 2024 on Mount Royal starting at the Mordecai Richler Gazebo next to Mount Royal (4060 Park ave.).
Virtually: Take an intentional walk or wheel anytime from June 1 to June 15, 2024, and check out the social media posts on the FB event page and our instagram. Take a selfie of your walk and post to Instagram using hashtag #NWSMSpiritWalk and #SpiritWalk2024 and tag @spiritwalkmtl OR send your picture by email to: spirit.walk.nwsm@gmail.
4. You can always make a donation to the general campaign by clicking the "DONATE" button.
SPIRIT WALK JUNE 15, 2024 SCHEDULE
12:00 pm - Registration opens near the Mordecai Richler Gazebo next to Mount Royal (4060 Park ave.). Registered in-person participants receive a t-shirt.
1:00 pm - Opening ceremony with remarks from Na’kuset (Executive Director, Native Women’s Shelter of Montréal).
2:00 pm - Walk begins. The walk is approximately 5km. The walk will be a loop and end back at the Mordecai Richler Gazebo where it began.
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm - Musical performance, with the generous support of CKUT, followed by the announcement of total funds raised.
4:30 pm END
For anyone with mobility concerns who would like to participate, please contact us at spirit.walk.nwsm@gmail.com. Everyone is welcome! Bring your friends, family, and pets and come WALK WITH US!
All donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt.
Registration includes a t-shirt only for those registered (one per registration fee paid) and who physically join us for the in-person event.
WALK WITH US! SUPPORT INDIGENOUS WOMEN AND CHILDREN!
Follow us on: Instagram @spiritwalkmtl #NWSMSpiritWalk #SpiritWalk2024 #WalkWithUs
FB: @NativeWomensShelter
Email us at: spirit.walk.nwsm@gmail.com
Find out about the Native Women’s Shelter of Montréal at: www.nwsm.info