Central Alberta Women's Emergency Shelter Building bridges to a better future for women and children impacted by violence.Every individual has a right to live free from family violence.
The Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter offers safe refuge, personal counseling, and community support for families experiencing family violence. Every year, we meet nearly 3,000 people who have made the brave step towards a life free from violence. There are thousands more in our community who still need our help.
Family violence is an issue that not only impacts individuals and families, but communities as a whole. Thanks to CAWES’ dedication to prevention initiatives, child-focussed healing programs, and providing the necessary tools for our clients to become safely independent, we are seeing promising improvements in rates of family violence in Central Alberta. As experts in the field of family violence, we continually create ground-breaking opportunities for education and awareness. We are proud to report that great things are happening at CAWES, and people’s lives are changing.
You are not alone. Read some of the courageous stories of women who have overcome abuse and violence
How can I contribute?
Learn about how you can make a difference by contributing to CAWES through donations and volunteer efforts.
Sunday September 19
CALLING ALL BRIDES!! Whether you have been married 20 years, 5 years, or just recently hitched! We want YOU!
APPLY for your chance to become one of six (6) brides who will participate in the Trash Your Dress for CAWES event on Sunday, September 19, 2021. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday May 21 at 5pm. Successful brides will be announced Wednesday May 26.
Commit to raising a minimum $1,000 to support the many important programs and services offered by the Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter (CAWES).
Raise additional funds (sky's the limit!); be creative! (track your donor's contributions; minimum $20 donations receive a tax receipt).
- Collect donations from friends, family co-workers (peer to peer fundraising)
- Each bride will be set up with their own fundraising page on CanadaHelps.org
- Host your own virtual event (online "varage" (garage) sale, virtual paint night, birthday party fundraiser, etc.)
- You can also create your own no-contact fundraising initiatives (i.e. bottle drive)
Deadline to raise funds is Friday, September 17, 2021. Be the TOP FUNDRAISER and receive the GRAND PRIZE (prize package in 2020 was valued over $2,800!!)
Each participating bride will receive:
- Swag bag full of goodies from local businesses (valued over $700 in 2020)
- Hair & make-up
- Bus (limo) transportation from salon. NOTE: all proper distancing measures will be in place throughout the day.
- You'll also receive transportation to three (3) undisclosed locations for the photo shoot, where you'll have the opportunity to work with six (6) of the very best photographers in Central Alberta. Each photographer will spend 20-30 minutes with you, photographing you in various locations in/near the City of Red Deer. In the end, you'll receive 10 images from each photographer (total of 60!!)
To apply, or for more information, please contact Roxanne Kirton at 403-352-4080 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. LET'S HAVE SOME FUN!!!
Donate to CAWES You can make a difference in the life of someone affected by domestic violence
Whatever your means or preference, there are many ways for you to make a difference in the lives of the women and children CAWES serves. With your support, The Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter has become recognized as one of the best in Canada. This year CAWES is doubling up on its efforts to augment trauma informed care at the Shelter and its innovative Children's Healing Centre.
CAWES is grateful for all of the caring and compassionate people that support our work. Without the resources you provide, we would simply not be able to deliver the much needed superior care, support and safe housing that women and children fleeing abuse and violence must have access to. Your contribution of time, talent and treasure has an important and critical impact in our effort to end family violence in Central Alberta and beyond. We invite you to provide hope to our vulnerable women and their children through a variety of giving options.
Ways to Donate
Donate Online:
You can chose to donate to CAWES though Paypal or CanadaHelps.org. Click the method you wish to use below to make your donation online. This quick, secure and efficient method will enable CAWES to put your gift to good use immediately.
By Mail:
Please make your cheque or money order payable to:
Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter
Box 561
Red Deer, AB T4N 5G1
By Phone:
We are eager to hear from you! You may wish to donate with VISA or MASTERCARD by calling 403-346-5643
Become a Monthly Donor:
By giving monthly, you will ensure that families in need are receiving your support on an ongoing basis. Our convenient automatic debit donation system is comfortable and secure, and able to work in cooperation with your monthly and annual budgeting.
Click HERE to set up your online monthly donation
Charitable Tax Receipts
As a Registered Charity (Charitable Status Number: 10688 5437 RR0001) we are authorized to issue receipts to be used to claim a charitable tax credit (individual donations) or tax deduction (corporate donations). All donations of $20 or over will be issued a charitable tax receipt. We are not able to issue charitable tax receipts for in-kind donations, unless a purchase receipt is provided.
For more information on charitable tax benefits visit http://www.canada.ca/charities-giving
For other ways to contribute to CAWES, learn about available Volunteer Opportunities.