Gallery event planned to raise money for SafeSpace women’s shelter

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A London gallery will hold a weekend fundraiser for an agency whose request for $130,000 to keep its downtown shelter beds for women open into the summer was rejected by city council.

SafeSpace London, which supports sex workers, other women and non-binary people, sought the money for its Old East Village facility, which offers 15 overnight beds all winter along with laundry, washroom and shower services. City council said no to the extra cash, which would have kept the beds open to July 31.

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Saturday’s fundraiser will be held at Forest City Gallery.

SafeSpace does “such important and critical work in our neighbourhood,” said Ruth Skinner, director of the Elias Street gallery. “Their staff, volunteers and board members deserve recognition for what they do.”

The event will feature live performances, auctions and an art sale, with all profits going to SafeSpace.

Sleeping on the streets is different for women than men, says 51-year-old Megan Braithwaite, who is homeless.

“There are girls who want to go inside, but sometimes there’s no room,” she said. “Where are we going to use the washroom? Where do we eat? Where do we clean ourselves?”

SafeSpace staff regularly check in on women sleeping outside and distribute harm-reduction supplies, Braithwaite added. “They keep us safe. It makes a difference in my day to go to SafeSpace. I don’t feel by myself.

“The women that work there are all amazing people and they help a lot.”

Old East Village has a history of people people coming together in times of need, and the importance of supporting homeless women continues, said event organizer Tom Cull. “It’s often very, very challenging and hard work, and it takes a toll on those folks who are doing it.”

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