For the first time in six years, the London Majors will not sport purple jerseys in support of the London Abused Women's Centre (LAWC) this season.
The annual Purple in the Park baseball game, which calls attention to the issue of men’s violence against women, has been cancelled. The decision to nix the event was made by LAWC as it deals with staffing constraints due to a surge in demand for its services.
"We had to let something go this year so that we could have additional staff resources available to serve on the front line," said LAWC Executive Director Megan Walker. "Right now service demands are just so incredibly high, higher than ever before and we feel a responsibility to make sure every one of those women and girls who comes through our office are seen immediately."
LAWC conducted a thorough examination of all of its third-party fundraising events prior to making the decision. While Purple in the Park was essential to reaching young men directly and increasing awareness, it was not considered one of the agency's larger fundraisers, Walker noted.
"It was the one we had to let go of and we feel really badly about that. We hope as resources continue to flow through our agency that we can maybe pick it up again in the future," said Walker. "It's been a great partnership through the years."
The agency has recorded a 56% increase in demand for its services over the past year, serving 6,045 women and girls. Part of the increase can be attributed to the willingness of more women to report abuse.
"The more awareness that there has been in the community and across the country and the world, with our Shine the Light on Women Abuse campaign and because of the MeToo and TimesUp movements, we are seeing more and more women and girls feeling safer reaching out for service," said Walker.
Purple in the Park was first launched in 2012. As part of the day, players on the Intercounty Baseball League team would wear purple jerseys. After the game, the jerseys would be signed and auctioned off to fans, with all proceeds going to the LAWC.
Officials with the team have said they understand the agency's decision to shift focus to frontline services.
"We fully support them and really like what they have done for the community and how they have supported us in the past," said Angela Keating, London Majors marketing manager. "We are happy to continue to support the London Abused Women's Centre when we can."
The annual Shine the Light on Woman Abuse campaign in November and the annual International Women’s Day breakfast event in March, two key fundraisers that raise a combined average of $150,000 each year, will continue on. Organizations wanting to hold third-party fundraisers for LAWC are still encouraged to do so and can contact Fund Development Coordinator Fabienne Haller for more information at 519-432-2204.
