Shelter-Mi Safe House - Inspection and Delivery

by Dan Beaton

A selection of essential and non-essential Items were delivered to the Shelter-Mi Safe House. These included: clothes donated by Elina Ouka; hair products, such as straighteners and hair dryers from Georgina Koksy; and sustainable sanitary products (menstrual cups) from Melinda Spooner. I was then shown around the facilities, and we discussed some of the challenges confronting the shelter—foremost of which was an ongoing security concern presented by the previous partners of the female residents coming to attempt kidnappings. A high-quality security guard would be, in my view, a worthwhile investment. Other concerns involves a resident with a physical impairment who has been unable to receive medical assistance.

Money for the shelter is currently generated through a rabbit farm with the rabbits being sold to the local Chinese workers for food. There is a desire to expand revenue by building a pig farm. I am somewhat worried about the environmental impact and animal welfare issues. As many humanist donors will believe in animal advocacy, other ways to generate income might be worth exploring.