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Unifor members and leadership along with advocates and government officials gathered at the Unifor Halifax Regional office on Friday evening to celebrate the Nova Scotia launch of We’re Here For You Canada, a national organization providing trauma-informed comfort kits to survivors of sexual violence and intimate partner violence (IPV).
“Supporting survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) is a labour issue, a community issue and a human rights issue,” said Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray. “We’re proud to continue our partnership with We’re Here For You Canada because these comfort kits provide more than essential items—they offer compassion, dignity and hope at a time when survivors need it most. Unifor will continue fighting for meaningful action, including stronger supports and recognition of intimate partner violence as the epidemic it is.”
The event brought together supporters to learn about the organization’s mission, hear from founder Sarah Sherman and assemble comfort kits that will be distributed to hospitals and survivors across Nova Scotia. The province has seen disproportionate numbers of IPV in recent years, along with the rest of Atlantic Canada.
The launch builds on Unifor’s ongoing partnership with We’re Here For You Canada. Earlier this year, Unifor members helped launch the initiative in Newfoundland and Labrador by assembling comfort kits, and also supported the organization’s expansion into New Brunswick. The union continues to work alongside community organizations and advocates to improve supports for survivors of GBV.
“Every comfort kit represents a reminder that someone cares and that no survivor should have to face one of the most difficult moments of their life alone,” said Sarah Sherman, founder of We’re Here For You Canada and a survivor of IPV. “I’m incredibly grateful to Unifor and its members for continuing to stand beside survivors, not only through words but through meaningful action.”
Sherman also addressed delegates during Unifor’s recent Atlantic Regional Council meeting, where she shared her story and highlighted the importance of coordinated community responses to GBV.
Supporting survivors of IPV has long been a priority for Unifor through the Declare Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic campaign. The union continues to advocate for stronger workplace protections, improved supports for survivors and has joined calls urging governments to recognize IPV as an epidemic.
During the evening, participants assembled trauma-informed comfort kits while connecting with community members committed to making Nova Scotia a safer and more compassionate place for survivors.
Through advocacy, education and partnerships like this one, Unifor remains committed to supporting survivors and advancing efforts to end GBV across Atlantic Canada.
