To the Editor:
In the month of October, visitors to Madison and Oneida County Sav-On convenience stores were greeted by purple ribbons hung with care. Friendly Sav-On employees enthusiastically asked “would you like to consider purchasing a purple ribbon for awareness during domestic violence awareness month?”
On behalf of our agencies and the thousands we serve in central New York, we thank the community and the Oneida Indian Nation, for your participation in the 2016 Purple Ribbon campaign. This was our first year of collaboration on the campaign. Our collective effort only reinforces the fact that by working together we can build healthier, violence-free communities. Together, we could expand the message that there is no place for abuse in our homes, schools, or neighborhoods.
Thanks to your partnership, invaluable time, and effort, $2,899.00 was raised from donations and ribbons that were sold! All proceeds from the Purple Ribbon campaign benefit the domestic violence programs offered by YWCA Mohawk Valley and Liberty Resources. These life-changing, life-saving services help families right here in our central New York communities and are vital to ending the cycle of domestic violence.
We thank you for your belief in our work, your generosity, and commitment.
For information on the YWCA Mohawk Valley, which serves Oneida County (Utica area) services, call 315.732.2159. For information on Liberty Resources’ Victims of Violence program, which services Madison and Chenango Counties, call 315.363.0048.
Sincerely, Dianne Stancato, Executive Director/CEO, YWCA Mohawk Valley; and Sara Haag, MSW, Divisional Director, Family Services, Liberty Resources, Inc.