'For a good cause': Triathlon raising funds for Victoria Sexual Assault Centre
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC) has seen an increase in women, trans and gender-diverse survivors seeking support after experiencing sexualized violence.
VSAC is here to help at no cost to clients, but now it’s looking for a little help as well.
"It’s going to be hard," said Diana Leigh, who is a reluctant bike rider.
Up until recently, it had been years since Leigh had hopped on her bike.
"But it's for a good cause," she said.
Leigh is preparing to complete the bike portion of the 30th annual Triathlon of Compassion, which benefits VSAC.
Leigh has knocked the dust off her trusty steed to ride 20 kilometres in this year's event.
"Biking 20-kilometres may be challenging, but what’s more difficult is experiencing sexualized violence," said the triathlon participant.
Diana Leigh is pictured traying for the triathlon. (CTV News)Carissa Ropponen, VSAC resource development and communications manager, says demand at the resource centre has increased over the past few years.
It's important work provided free of charge to survivors of sexualized violence.
"We see hundreds of clients every year and provide thousands of counselling sessions," said Ropponen.
"We provide counselling, we provide support through the criminal justice system, in reporting to police," she said.
The Victoria Sexual Assault Centre also offers immediate crisis response.
"Within days of a sexual assault we can provide medical care, forensic evidence collection and emotional support here at our centre," said Ropponen.
FUNDRAISING EVENT
VSAC has an annual operating budget of $2 million. Half of the centre's money comes from grants or fundraisers like the triathlon, and Leigh is passionate to pedal to help out.
"We are trying to raise $25,000 for survivor support services," said Ropponen.
That would fund 130 counselling sessions, 10 prevention workshops, and the operation of the Victoria Sexual Assault Clinic for two weeks.
A counselling room at the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre is shown. (CTV News)Leigh knows the positive impact the centre has on those who have been impacted by sexualized violence.
"Because I work here," she said.
Hearing the stories has prompted her to get back on her bike and participate in her first ever triathlon.
"The mission and the values are healing, education and prevention," said Leigh. "That is what I’m racing and riding for, that is what is going to keep me going."
The Triathlon of Compassion takes place on June 25. To find out more information or how you can support the riders go to the Victoria Sexual Assault Centres website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.