The Royal Victoria half-marathon on October 10th inspired Christy Smith, Top Banana at Spice Creative, to push past her comfort zone on a multitude of levels; fitness and otherwise. Smith, who had never run more than 10km before training, set a goal of raising $10,000 for the Victoria Women’s Sexual Assault Centre by 10-10-10 (Oct. 10, 2010). She launched her campaign just over one week ago, leveraging online social networks, both personal and business, to surpass the goal with $11,364 in donations to date!
Smith wrote a letter on the Women’s Sexual Assault Centre marathon fundraising site, and shared the link through e-mail, Facebook and Twitter. Using only social networking resources, she exposed her life changing experiences as a client of the Women’s Sexual Assault Centre and relayed the desperate need for increased resources. “I would not be the person I am today without the tools, advice, and compassion I received from the Women’s Sexual Assault Centre during the most difficult time of my life,” said Smith. “I saw first hand how badly the Centre needs resources; my name was on a wait list for over a year. The trickling effects of sexual assault in our society are astonishing; 1 in 3 women are sexually assaulted, and 1 in 4 of those women will NEVER tell anyone." Smith sheds light on the challenges 1 in 3 women face, and the struggle to break the silence about sexual violence.
“At first, I felt intimidated sharing my fundraising letter,” says Smith. “Although I have a brave face today, coming forward was a big step. Once I e-mailed the letter and posted it on Facebook, the supportive comments, emails, phone calls and donations began rolling in!” Among the support, Christy has received e-mails and donations from complete strangers who have read her story and commended her efforts. Despite the Centre’s minimal resources, results like these suggest the issue is dear to many hearts. “I think putting my face to the issue has raised eyebrows. Sexual assault seems to be a ‘taboo’ subject that is not often discussed openly, despite its prevalence in our society,” says Smith. “I hope the energy invested and resources raised will make a difference in our community and provide inspiration for other women who have experienced sexual assault.”
Moving forward, graphic designer Christy Smith plans to team with talented local fashion designer Marcie LeBlanc of LeBlanc Boutique to design and produce a fashion-forward, cause marketing campaign to benefit the Assault Centre. The campaign, called “Shhhh..,” seeks to raise awareness for women choosing to break the silence, and will include information on common “Misconceptions” surrounding the topic of sexual violence against women. Smith has past experience in fashion philanthropy as the co-founder of the “OUR Campaign,’ selling inspiring t-shirts to benefit Our Place homeless shelter in downtown Victoria.
In existence since 1982, The Women’s Sexual Assault Centre has a small staff base, and relies heavily on volunteer support. The centre acts as a liaison with individuals and available community level services. Smith is confident more can be done, especially with the cooperation of the public and local business community in Victoria. To donate to Christy Smith’s half marathon fundraising efforts click Donate NOW!
Smith wrote a letter on the Women’s Sexual Assault Centre marathon fundraising site, and shared the link through e-mail, Facebook and Twitter. Using only social networking resources, she exposed her life changing experiences as a client of the Women’s Sexual Assault Centre and relayed the desperate need for increased resources. “I would not be the person I am today without the tools, advice, and compassion I received from the Women’s Sexual Assault Centre during the most difficult time of my life,” said Smith. “I saw first hand how badly the Centre needs resources; my name was on a wait list for over a year. The trickling effects of sexual assault in our society are astonishing; 1 in 3 women are sexually assaulted, and 1 in 4 of those women will NEVER tell anyone." Smith sheds light on the challenges 1 in 3 women face, and the struggle to break the silence about sexual violence.
“At first, I felt intimidated sharing my fundraising letter,” says Smith. “Although I have a brave face today, coming forward was a big step. Once I e-mailed the letter and posted it on Facebook, the supportive comments, emails, phone calls and donations began rolling in!” Among the support, Christy has received e-mails and donations from complete strangers who have read her story and commended her efforts. Despite the Centre’s minimal resources, results like these suggest the issue is dear to many hearts. “I think putting my face to the issue has raised eyebrows. Sexual assault seems to be a ‘taboo’ subject that is not often discussed openly, despite its prevalence in our society,” says Smith. “I hope the energy invested and resources raised will make a difference in our community and provide inspiration for other women who have experienced sexual assault.”
Moving forward, graphic designer Christy Smith plans to team with talented local fashion designer Marcie LeBlanc of LeBlanc Boutique to design and produce a fashion-forward, cause marketing campaign to benefit the Assault Centre. The campaign, called “Shhhh..,” seeks to raise awareness for women choosing to break the silence, and will include information on common “Misconceptions” surrounding the topic of sexual violence against women. Smith has past experience in fashion philanthropy as the co-founder of the “OUR Campaign,’ selling inspiring t-shirts to benefit Our Place homeless shelter in downtown Victoria.
In existence since 1982, The Women’s Sexual Assault Centre has a small staff base, and relies heavily on volunteer support. The centre acts as a liaison with individuals and available community level services. Smith is confident more can be done, especially with the cooperation of the public and local business community in Victoria. To donate to Christy Smith’s half marathon fundraising efforts click Donate NOW!