On May 28, we gathered at The Reach Gallery in Abbotsford to mark a powerful milestone:  50 years of service, support, and standing up against intimate partner violence. Our 50th anniversary event was not only a celebration of SARA for Women's legacy, but also a poignant reminder of the work that still lies ahead. 

We were honoured to be joined by Abbotsford Deputy Mayor Mark Warkentin and Mission Acting Mayor Danny Plecas who acknowledged the critical role SARA has played in each community for five decades. Their presence underscored the importance of partnerships between local leadership and organizations like ours in addressing intimate partner violence. 

Inspector Kevin Murray of the Abbotsford Police Department delivered a sobering update on the state of intimate partner violence in our region. His alarming statistics painted a stark picture of the ongoing crisis, one that demands immediate and sustained community action. 

One of the most moving moments of the evening came from keynote speaker Jasmine Bhambra, whose sister, Manjit Panghali, was tragically murdered in an act of domestic violence. Jasmine courageously shared her family's painful journey and spoke about the long-lasting impact that violence has on families, particularly children. Her story was a powerful call to action for all of us to continue advocating for change. 

We also had the privilege of hearing from one of SARA’s founders, Sharon Syrette who reflected on the organization’s beginnings and evolution. From humble roots to the impactful, multifaceted agency we are today, her words reminded us how far we’ve come and how much we can achieve when we come together with compassion, determination, and purpose. 

To mark this incredible milestone, we proudly launched our "Igniting Hope" Campaign, a bold fundraising initiative with the goal of raising $50,000 by the end of summer. This campaign will help expand our capacity to support survivors, educate the community, and advocate for systemic change. 

Your support has been the foundation of our work for 50 years. Now, as we look ahead, we invite you to stand with us once again  to ignite hope for survivors, for families, and for a safer, more equitable future. 

Join us in reaching our $50,000 goal. Every gift makes a difference.