Eskimos Support Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative
November 8, 2010 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Edmonton Elks News Release
(Edmonton) The Edmonton Eskimos announced this morning a three-year commitment in support of the Alberta Council of Women's Shelter's (ACWS) Taking a Stand initiative. Eskimo President and CEO Rick LeLacheur presented the first of three $10,000 donations to ACWS Provincial Coordinator Jan Reimer at the 6th Annual Breakfast with the Guys this morning.
Born from the idea that men are more likely to take a stand against domestic violence if they are mentored and motivated by men they can identify with and respect; this three-year project will help ACWS hire a full-time male to work with men and boys within the community.
"ACWS has a good idea with the Taking a Stand project. Reaching young men through the role models they encounter in the community has the potential to effect change," says Rick Lelacheur, President and C.E.O. of the Edmonton Eskimos. "We're proud to support this project to help end the cycle of domestic violence."
Four-time Grey Cup Champion Damon Allen also spoke to the crowd of approximately 200 this morning about the power of coaches to make positive change. Coaches are uniquely equipped to positively influence children who may have an abusive male role model at home. Immersed in a sports subculture that is traditionally all about physicality, aggressiveness and masculinity, coaches' built-in mentorship roles allow them to lead by example and spread the message: violent, controlling behavior against girls and women is not okay.
Taking a Stand will build on ACWS' current engaging men activities including a pilot project with bantam coaches from the Whitemud West Hockey Association. "We're thrilled that the Eskimos are the first in the door to fund this position," says Carolyn Goard, Director of Member Programs and Services. "We're counting on other like-minded Edmontonians to step forward to ensure that our community can make a difference."
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