You can help raise awareness about domestic abuse during the 5th annual Rakhi Project, kicking off on July 15 at Vancity Credit Union's Newton Community Branch . Purchase and wear a purple Rakhi Project bracelet to show that you "band together against domestic abuse".
Join the conversation about the Rakhi Project by using the hashtag #RakhiProject on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
The Rakhi Project is partnership between the City of Surrey, the Surrey RCMP, DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, OMNI Television, Vancity Credit Union, Fruiticana, Save-on-Foods group, Glen Chua Media, the Sambhali Trust, Crystalworks, Ending Violence Association of BC and the BC Lions.
The Rakhi Project Bracelet
Purple Rakhi Project bracelets can be purchased between July 15 and August 29 for $5. The proceeds of your bracelet sale goes to Surrey’s Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (SCADA), which brings together community organizations who specialize in addressing and reducing domestic abuse.
Bracelets are available at Surrey Save-on-Foods locations, Fruiticana, select Vancity Credit Union locations, Surrey RCMP offices, DiverseCity Community Resources Society, Crystalworks Designs Limited and Take Five Café at Surrey City Hall.
The Rakhi Project Story
Domestic abuse is an issue at the forefront of every community; its impact is felt throughout multiple systems with varying intensity.
The City of Surrey in partnership with various community organizations, businesses and the Surrey RCMP has initiated the Rakhi Project, a Surrey Crime Reduction Strategy initiative, in an effort to raise awareness of domestic abuse.
The project extends the tradition of Rakhi into the broader community with the goal of engaging individuals in a united effort to stand up against domestic violence.
Rakhi is a special occasion observed in India which encourages love, respect and protection. It involves the tying of a rakhi (thread) by a sister on her brother’s wrist as a symbol of the love and respect between them.
The city is acknowledging the tradition of Rakhi as a symbol that extends past cultural lines and is adopted by the community; banding us together against domestic abuse.
First Responder Focus
Thanks to the generosity of Vancity Credit Union, a select number of purple bracelets have been provided to First Responders for this year’s campaign, with the goal of showing a united stand against domestic abuse.
First responders play a significant role when answering domestic abuse incidents; often providing time-sensitive, critical, on-scene support for both victims and their children.
By wearing the Rakhi Project bracelets, Surrey can send a strong message to those who are victims of abuse and violence, that they are not alone.
About the Bracelets
Local artist Karen Lipsett-Kidd designed a new bracelet for the 2015 campaign that includes a Rose Quartz bead. This symbolic stone illustrates the message of the Rakhi Project as it is said to represent unconditional love and brings inner warmth and peace to those around it.
The bracelets and their pouches were handcrafted by a group of Rajasthani women from Sambhali Trust - a non-profit charitable organization that empowers women and girls.
