CREDIT: MELANIE ANDERSON
London Lightning players Elvin Mims (left) and DeAnthony Bowden pose with executive director of the London Abused Women’s Centre Megan Walker (centre)

On March 1, over 500 Londoners gathered at the 13th Annual International Women's Day Breakfast and Auction held by the London Abused Women's Centre.

The morning featured an elaborate breakfast buffet, a live and silent auction, and speeches by former Liberal MPP Chris Bentley, CTV's Sean Irvine, and London Abused Women's Centre executive director Megan Walker.

The event brought together a variety of community partners working together to raise money to end women's abuse.

“What's really interesting with this crowd is it's from many areas of our community: business, social services, law enforcement. We all have the express purpose to make sure that we protect our community,” said Police Chief and attendee Brad Duncan.

Many local politicians attended the event to show their support. London-Fanshawe MP Irene Mathyssen has attended the event for eight years. She said the cause is important “because it shines the light on the reality that, despite 50 years of feminism, there are still women who suffer, and that violence is still a reality for four out of 10 women. We can't progress as a community or as a society until we've ended that violence against women.”

Local sports icons were also there showing their support. London Lightning point guard DeAnthony Bowden and forward Elvin Mims stood on stage to help promote one of the live auction prizes that included tickets to Toronto Raptors and London Lightning games.

It's obvious that it is no longer just women coming together for this cause.

Megan Walker was pleased to see so many men at this year's event. “We definitely had 50/50 with respect to men and women today, and that's increased every year. We've always said we really need men to step up and help us in ending violence against women, and they've certainly done that — it's been really exciting to see.”

Felipe Gomes, owner of Aroma Mediterranean Restaurant, has been attending the event for several years. “A number of years ago, there was only a few of us men out here ... That's good that men are looking and seeing the need to be part of this. It's not just a women's thing — it's our thing,” he stressed.

The fundraising event also served as a launch for LAWC's two-part campaign that uses the slogans “It's the law. Don't assault us,” and “I am not for sale.” These slogans were seen on volunteer t-shirts and posters at the breakfast. They will soon be seen across the city and focus on ending violence against women and ending prostitution.

If you want to support LAWC, you can join Walker and her team “Megan and the Walkers” at this year's Runner's Choice 2.5 km walk in Victoria Park on March 29, or visit lawc.on.ca to find more volunteer opportunities.