5 December 2008

Junior League of London spreads holiday cheer at Eaves Women’s Aid

The Junior League of London (JLL) is pleased to announce their support of Eaves Women’s Aid this holiday season through their autumn new member project, which culminated on Saturday, 6 December. Eaves Women’s Aid is a project of the Eaves charity which runs a series of refuges for women and their children fleeing situations of domestic violence.

For their new member project, the JLL members created, packaged and delivered holiday hampers containing gifts of toys, books, comfort items and practical necessities for the women and children supported by Eaves Women’s Aid. These baskets were delivered to the refuges on the day of a JLL-sponsored holiday party with entertainment for the women and children and an opportunity for the each mother to “shop” for a holiday present for her child.  Beata Pajak, an Eaves representative said, “The Junior League volunteers really changed the entire atmosphere of being here. The women in the refuge were so relaxed and so happy. The Junior League of London really made a difference.”

The JLL members organised and executed all aspects of the project – from logistics to communications – as a component of the JLL intensive volunteer training programme in which new members acquire the skills and knowledge to effectively serve the London community.
Commenting on the unique learning opportunities she experienced through the autumn new member project, new member Christie Love stated: “In advance of the event, our class went through an exercise organised by Eaves staff members and learned about what an impressive impact the Eaves programme has on women and children who have been exposed to domestic violence. Learning from staff who work at the centre, day in and day out, really helped motivate the team as we learned how our project truly has a positive impact on the lives of the women and children in the refuges.”

JLL President Jennifer Clarke added, “The training and community impact provided by the JLL’s new member programme is a vital part of our mission of promoting voluntary service, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.  We are incredibly proud of the commitment shown by our 44 new members in making this project a success for the families of Eaves Women’s Aid.”

About the Junior League of London

The Junior League of London is a UK registered charity comprised of women committed to promoting voluntary service, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. A member of the Association of Junior Leagues International and active in London since 1978, the JLL has over 400 volunteer members who provide more than 20,000 hours of service to the community each year through dedicated programmes that support its vision of eliminating poverty and its effects in London. The JLL raises funds through a book for recent arrivals to the capital called Living in London, a week-long shopping event in the spring (6-15 March 2009) called London Spree, a holiday shopping bizarre (3-4 November 2009) called Boutique de Noel, corporate giving, grants and members’ dues.

To learn more about the Junior League and its community projects, buy a 2009 London Spree Card, purchase a copy of Living in London or find out about the JLL’s next New Members’ Course for volunteers – visit www.jll.org.uk or phone the Junior League office on 020 7499 8159.

Registered Charity Number: 1103298   Registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee in England No 5045667

About Eaves Women’s Aid

Eaves is a London-based charity that provides high quality housing and support to vulnerable women. We also carry out research, advocacy and campaigning to prevent all forms of violence against women.

We run a series of refuges across London for women (and their children) leaving domestic violence. These are comfortable and safe environments with a full range of support provided.

At Eaves, we put the needs of women first. We are determined to give a voice to the most excluded women in society and provide direct, innovative services to support and empower women to help themselves. For more information visithttp://www.eaves4women.co.uk.