Purple lights will shine a light on the darkness that is domestic violence throughout the month of October in Chilliwack.
The Purple Light Nights campaign 2013 kicks off with a tree-lighting ceremony, this year at Ken’s Tire and Wheel on Alexander Avenue, Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m.
It’s the fifth year of the Purple Lights Nights in Chilliwack, supported by Specialized Victim Assistance from Chilliwack Community Services, Ann Davis Transition Society, RCMP Victim Services and more.
“It is growing every year and purple lights are showing up in more homes, businesses, and communities than ever,” said Shelley Bolan, manager of the Transition House at Ann Davis Transition Society.
Organizers ordered 800 purple bulbs this year. That total is up from just 500 a couple of years ago.
Purple Light Nights first appeared in Washington State in 2007, and the phenomenon has been growing steadily, as communities across North America embraced it in 23 states and three Canadian provinces, as a visual way to remember domestic victims and prevent family violence.
The goal is getting people talking about domestic violence, the services available in the community, its impacts on children and families, as well as education about healthy relationships.
Many downtown businesses on Wellington Avenue have pledged to create window displays using the purple bulbs for Purple Light Nights.
Also new this year is the Community Awareness Forum, on Oct. 24, 7-9 p.m. in council chambers at City Hall.
“The forum will make people more aware of all the services available in Chilliwack, along with information tables to allow people to find out even more.”
People who show up to Chilliwack Connect on Oct. 5 will receive a purple light.
To support Purple Light Nights, anyone can make a $2 and get a purple light bulb, or a string of lights, from one of several participating locations, such as the Ann Davis Transition Society offices on Young Road, or Chilliwack Community Services, or Chilliwack Crime Prevention Services on Wellington Avenue. Several downtown businesses will also again be selling the familiar purple bulbs.
For more call 604-393-3000 or Darlene 604-393-3026, Beverly 604-792-4267, or Shelley 604-792-3116.
Find out where it started at: http://purplelightnights.org
