event included a silent auction of artw

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

The Shield of Athena, which has been helping victims of conjugal violence for 33 years in numerous languages, recently held its Lilac Benefit Gala to expand its shelter.

The event was held at the Embassy Plaza at 1003 Labelle Blvd. in Laval.

The funds raised are dedicated to the expansion of the Shield’s emergency shelter, which had to double its capacity because of an increase in need for the organization’s services.

“Ever since the pandemic, we have gotten non-stop referrals from S.O.S Violence conjugale, the police and the Director of Youth Protection (D.Y.P.) — so there is a huge need to expand,” says Maria Kokkoris, the coordinator of Athena’s House, adding that the capacity at the emergency shelter has increased from nine to 17 people, “and housing up to 24 at times.”

The evening was hosted by CJAD’s Joanne Vrakas, and featured live music and dining, as well as an exclusive performance by musicians from the Montreal Classical Orchestra. There was also a “silent auction of artworks by renowned artists and a raffle of luxurious prizes.”

The organization also pointed out that it is in the midst of a major capital cost campaign to raise $5 million “to expand its network in Montreal and Laval.

“We need the public’s help to respond to this urgent demand,” says Shield president Chris-Ann Nakis.

The Shield is also adding a fourth point of service, a 17-apartment Second Step shelter that is still under construction.

“We need to respond to these increased needs for shelter by expanding both our capacity and services as well as meeting the rising costs of operations,” says Shield of Athena Executive Director Melpa Kamateros.

The sponsors included the Azrieli Foundation, Schwartz’s, the Papadimitriou Family, Scotia Bank, the Fairmount Queen Elizabeth, the Orchestre Classique de Montréal and many local media. n