The event was the first of three SisterCare Saturday fundraising events, held with support from the City of Columbia and other public safety partners.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — On Saturday, local public safety partners and the City of Columbia teamed up with SisterCare at Soda City Market to raise funds and awareness about domestic violence.
SisterCare, a nonprofit that provides services and support to victims of domestic violence and their children, set up a submersion tank where participants could donate money for the chance to submerge a public safety officer.
“This is a fun new initiative,” said SisterCare Executive Director Leah Wicevic, “and a great way to raise awareness of the work we do at SisterCare, plus have some fun by submerging some local celebrities in the water.”
The event was the first of three SisterCare Saturday fundraising events, held for the second consecutive year with support from the City of Columbia and other public safety partners.
“It’s always a great opportunity for us as the City of Columbia to partner with various organizations that are doing great work in the community to benefit all of our citizens and residents,” said Trevon Fordham, the city’s Violent Crime Prevention Director.
Fordham University played a role in drawing cold water from those who donated to SisterCare.
“I’ll say it’s all a learning experience,” Fordham explained, “Last year I just came in, I was the new guy, I’d been there maybe three weeks, so last year I was yelling at everybody, even the little kids. This year I’ve been a lot more humble, but I’ve been scolded a lot more.”
Last year, SisterCare served more than 4,000 people in the Midlands region, highlighting the need for the organization’s services and the importance of partnering with other organizations to address domestic violence.
“This is a very prevalent issue in our community and SisterCare can’t handle it alone. The city of Columbia can’t handle it alone,” Wicevic said. “If we work together, we’re much more powerful in getting the message out that domestic violence will not be tolerated.”
Currently, 42 per cent of women have experienced domestic violence, and Wičević said the funds raised would help expand the work.
“We operate two emergency shelters, we have a clinical unit with counselors standing by to provide services, we have a 24/7 crisis line, we also have court support for survivors, so we plan to use these funds to continue providing services to survivors,” Wicevich said.
It’s not just about raising funds: Wicevic said one in 10 children will witness domestic violence in their home at some point during their adolescence, which is why SisterCare uses the opportunity to educate those who stop by.
“We have adults and children here, some with dogs,” Wiecevich added. “It’s a great opportunity to raise awareness not only of the domestic violence that’s happening here now, but also of taking preventative measures for future generations.”
For those who were unable to attend this SisterCare Saturday fundraiser, additional events will be held at Soda City Market on August 24th and September 7th.
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