Meet Liessa

Second Story Women’s Centre recently had the pleasure of meeting an amazing 12-year-old girl from our community named Liessa!

“Ever since I was in grade four, I begged my mom to shave my head. She didn’t decide to let me do it until last week; however, she gave me one condition. First, I had to raise $500 to donate to a charity of my choice,” Liessa said. Support from friends and family quickly started pouring in; Liessa met her goal, and out came the clippers!
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“The reason why I chose Second Story Women’s Centre is because I wanted to find a local charity that I felt really followed the same values as I have. I believe everyone should be treated equal, regardless of gender,” Liessa said.

The reason why I chose Second Story Women’s Centre [to donate to] is because I wanted to find a local charity that I felt really followed the same values as I have. I believe everyone should be treated equal, regardless of gender - Liessa, 12.

The funds she raised are much appreciated. SSWC needs to raise $40-$50,000 per year just to stay open and often relies on the generous support of those who live in our surrounding areas. SSWC's Executive Director, Rhonda, says that serving hundreds of women, girls and other people who are gender-oppressed is resource-heavy. 
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“Fundraising is incredibly time consuming and whenever community steps up and helps out, that allows us to focus on our core work and support those who work with us,” Rhonda said. “This last year, even during a pandemic, we offered close to 1500 appointments in one year. This was in fact our busiest year ever.”
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Rhonda added that the pandemic has increased the complexity of their work. “Violence in our community has increased, isolation has not been kind to some, traffickers continue to prey on people in our community and housing is sometimes impossible to find. These are just some of the things people are bringing as issues to SSWC.” But, Rhonda concluded, during these challenging times, meeting a ray of light like Liessa sparks energy in the SSWC staff.

​This last year, even during a pandemic, we offered close to 1500 appointments in one year. This was our busiest year ever. - Rhonda L., SSWC Executive Director

Liessa is proud to show off her new haircut, and we think you'll agree that she looks great. (Check out the pictures below for the before and after!) Although she has surpassed her fundraising goal, she says she’s not finished yet; she’s looking to see if others can continue to support her efforts. “Any donation would be so helpful, even if it’s spare change,” she said.

If you'd like to support Second Story in Liessa's name and add to her fundraising total, you can donate at SecondStory.ca/donate and make sure you add ‘Liessa’ in the dedication line!