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Vol. 19, No. 48, Wednesday, October 23, 2024 www.LamontLeader.com
Beaverhill seniors make a difference We don’t keep a dime. All money goes to the cause! for women and children in need BY JANA SEMENIUK Lamont’s Beaverhill Lodge resident Christine Elliott, 93, wanted to do something positive with her remaining years. Over the past few months, Elliott decided to sell off her jewellry and use the money to start a donation drive for abused women on behalf of the residents of Beaverhill Lodge. Soon, others were joining her cause with one resident providing a sizable portion of the donation. Altogether, Elliott collected $6,000 and presented the cheque to Karen Kadatz, Executive Director at the Strathcona Shelter Society on Oct. 17. As Elliott arrived to present the money last Thurs., Kadatz and her staff brewed fresh tea and offered her a chance to sit and talk with them. Over the next hour, Elliott shared her story including her own escape from abuse early on in her life when there were no resources available. Elliott described an evening not long after leaving her abusive marriage where she stood on a bridge and considered ending her life. “I lost everything. I lost my kids, I had nothing to live for. I had no place to go. I was standing on the Moira Street Bridge in Belleville and I was going to commit suicide,” she said. “It was in the springtime, and the water was so swift. There was a dog that was drowning because he couldn't get out. I was watching him, and I thought it'd be so easy, just jump in and forget it. And the Lord spoke to me and said, “Don't do it. I got something better for you.” Elliott listened to the voice. She soon found work at a financial company and
met her second husband, Don, who she was married to for 27 years. Together, they lived a Christian life and devoted time volunteering with needy children in addition to the homeless. Christine said Don passed away by heart attack, and she will never forget his last words to her in the hospital. “He said, ‘Christine, you will always be my sunshine’,” she said. Kadatz said the Strathcona Shelter Society takes in families from all parts of the area, including Lamont County. She said the society is very grateful for the Beaverhill residents’ donation and it will go a long way to helping women and children in need. “(Christine’s donation is) very heartwarming, especially when you hear her Strathcona Shelter Society Executive Director Karen Kadatz accepts a donation check from story, and I think that's even Christine Elliot, 93, for $6,000. Elliot began a donation drive last month at her residence, the as valuable as the (dona- Beaverhill Pioneer Lodge in Lamont. Photo: Jana Semeniuk tion),” said Kadatz. “Those who come to our According to their website, the non- leaders who have paved a way for us shelter, or call us for services (we can) profit ‘A Safe Place’ was founded in to follow their lead and do many more say someone cared so much that they 1982 and since then has sheltered over good deeds like this. Kudos to them,” would put this effort in and sell their 25,000 women and children fleeing he said. personal items (and) get their friends dangerous abusive situations. “Christine taught me (and everyone involved (to) make this happen for us, Lamont Housing Foundation Chief by her action) that whatever the age or it's incredible.” Administrative Officer Shahad situation one may be in, there is always Kadatz said the society has a 35-bed Bharmal said he is very proud of what a way to care and help others.” facility in addition to two condos for the residents of the lodge have accomMeanwhile, spousal abuse rates were use. She added that their food bill for plished. reported to the Lamont town council in the society is $70,000 per year alone, “I am very proud of all our Beaverhill Aug. as increasing 188 percent since and they need to rely on donations, in Pioneer Lodge residents who took part last year. The number went from eight addition to government funding, to in this fundraiser initiative and made it reported offenses in 2023 to 23 reported keep their buildings open. possible. These residents are silent in 2024.