One year ago, Zanie Mollica wanted her life to end.
Thanks to the Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society, that didn’t happen.
“I was in the depths of despair, ready to end my life. I had nobody; I had nothing,” said Mollica.
“I’m celebrating my gratitude for the women who picked me up when I was down and fluttered their angel wings until I could stand. And they’re still there, pushing me on.”
Mollica, who is a victim of violence and sexual abuse, said that volunteers from the society helped her out of her lowest point.
“They counseled me, supported me and called me after hours to make sure I had taken my medicine.
“They gave me the life that I have today.”
As an offering of her gratitude, Mollica decided to share her 55th birthday with the society.
She organized a dinner and dance event at Lakeview Heights Community Hall on Saturday—all proceeds from the event went to help the Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society. Mollica said that between 50 and 75 people attended the event.
According to Mollica, the society is in “desperate need” of funds.
“I’m ever so grateful for any awareness, any financial support, anything that anybody will give.”
Mollica said that she hopes one day there is no longer a need for the Elizabeth Fry Society or any other women’s support groups.
“I wish we could return to a society where we treat each other with respect.
“My goal in life is to teach people that we’re all the same, to respect each other and to respect the Earth that we live in.”
wpaterson@kelownacapnews.com
