A gift of dignity
A donation by Joe Fresh to the Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Program is proof that one act of kindness can go a long way. With numbers of people seeking care often spiking after the holidays, the gift is sadly timely.
In an outpouring of support for those facing the turmoil of sexual assault, a gift of dignity recently arrived at the Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Program (RSADVTP) of St. Joseph’s Health Care London.
Numerous items of clothing donated by Joe Fresh means individuals who choose the option of forensic evidence collection by the RSADVTP team can leave St. Joseph’s Hospital in new, appropriate clothing rather than a hospital gown or scrubs. The donation included clothing for women, men and children of all sizes.
“When supporting our patients with the collection of forensic evidence, the patient’s clothing is often an important piece of the evidence and will be sent away with the Sexual Assault Evidence Kit,” explains Cassandra Fisher, Coordinator of the RSADVTP. “This donation allows people to leave the program with dignity and in clothing that is comfortable. The wide variety of sizes and types of clothing donated to us will be a huge a support to the individuals seen within our program.”
The RSADVTP, located at St. Joseph’s Hospital, provides care in the region for women, children and men who have experienced sexual assault/sexual abuse and/or domestic violence. A team of specialized nurses, doctors and social workers are available 24/7 to provide numerous care options to individuals of all ages, sexual orientation or gender identity. It’s the only program in the region offering forensic evidence collection. Sexual assault nurse examiners at St. Joseph’s are specially trained above a nursing scope to provide forensic evidence collection and expertise as a witness in any case that goes to court.
It takes great courage for an individual to come forward and disclose domestic violence or a sexual assault, explains Cassandra.
“Their sensitivity in offering clothing for every age, gender and size speaks to their understanding that no one is immune from the violence we see in our program. I am personally touched by the generosity of Joe Fresh. Such “Fresh” clothing, offered at such a vulnerable moment, gives a strong message to victims that they matter and they are worthy.”
-Dr. Susan McNair, Medical Director of the RSADVTP
“While our compassionate and dedicated team does everything they can to support and make the patient journey as supportive as possible, being able to provide an individual with street clothing to leave the hospital, rather than hospital gowns or scrubs, is significant to the well-being of that person and their overall healing journey. It gives patients their dignity back.”
For the most part, clothing items needed by the program are purchased by staff and leaders, who donate them back the program. The donation by Joe Fresh, a division of Loblaw Companies, is the largest of its kind the program can recall.
Dr. Susan McNair, Medical Director of the RSADVTP, is touched by the willingness of Joe Fresh to be part of the care offered by the program.
“Their sensitivity in offering clothing for every age, gender and size speaks to their understanding that no one is immune from the violence we see in our program. I am personally touched by the generosity of Joe Fresh. Such “Fresh” clothing, offered at such a vulnerable moment, gives a strong message to victims that they matter and they are worthy.”
Lauren Adey, Director of Communications for Joe Fresh, says the company is “grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an important cause.”
“Our hope is for individuals facing very difficult situations to feel supported,” says Lauren.
While the Joe Fresh gift is a heart-warming outpouring of compassion, it is also sadly needed and timely. After the December-January holiday season, the RSADVTP traditionally sees a significant increase in people seeking care, says Cassandra.
“I am humbled that such a large well-known organization would recognize the need we have and respond in such a significant way,” says Cassandra. “We are just so thankful. One act of kindness can make such a momentous impact on many lives within our community. Joe Fresh proved that.”