Big Country Anti Violence Association (BCAVA) has partnered with Broken Curfew Photography to raise awareness of violence, and to let victims know they are not alone.
BCAVA has launched Voices of Men 2018. It is a series of photos and words that will be published on the BCAVA Facebook page. These photos feature prominent men in the community and their thoughts on violence. The first two photos of the series have been published which feature Gerry Mancini and Staff Sergeant Kevin Charles.
BCAVA President Kristi Donison explains they were inspired by a calendar project completed by a group in Stettler.
“These are men who have and continue to take a stand against violence in our community,” she said.
Donison explains that it sends an important message to show that others are united in standing up against violence, because so many times silence can be complacency.
The creative work is being done by Athena Winchester of Broken Curfew Photography.
“This was something I wanted to do, it is a wonderful thing to be part of,” she said.
In particular, she is enjoying the creative process.
“It is a wonderful feeling, especially coming from working on the ambulance for several years where you are told exactly how you deal with the situation. Now it is all creative for me and I love it,” she said.
She adds that it is an important cause to support.
“Violence is a part of culture, and it is important to say they are there to support the people in it as well,” she said.
The photos began running March 12, and in total it will be a series of 12 photos posted leading up to BCAVA’s 5th Walk a Mile in Her Shoes on Wednesday, May 30. Donison says Walk a Mile is a way to show solidarity as a man in supporting an end to violence.
To see the photos go the BCAVA’s Facebook page. For more information on this campaign or Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, contact Donison at 403-821-0905.
