Supporting Women in Crisis: Help When It Matters Most
Nanaimo Women Helping Women is a safe and respectful grassroots women’s collective.
We support women with their immediate next step when fleeing intimate partner violence with resources specific to their needs. We operate by referral only, and are partnered with 25+ organizations and non-profits in the mid-Vancouver Island region.
We are grateful for the many creative ways our community raises funds to support the women we serve.
Testimonial
“I was helped by NWHW with support of resources after we left the shelter. Gas cards, food vouchers, and it was a safe place to turn to. They’re our angels.”
Anonymous
Former Client
What’s Happening…
We have multiple fundraisers happening this month: Paradise Island Cheese, Dream Machine, a craft fair and an evening of music, pizza and craft beer at Wolf Brewing. More details here…
Thank You’s
- ATB Wealth Advisors for your incredibly generous donation of $5212 (cash and gift cards) and for your generous donation of many packs of waters and Gatorades for our care packages, as well as inviting us to present on Saturday. Thank you to Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre for your generous donation of a 1 night stay in a spa bungalow.
- Isabella Ostman for raising $850 from the craft fair and custom orders
- Knotty Birch Studio and Coastal Board Bites for donating back all your revenue – $425! and to everyone that participated in our sign making fundraiser
How We Helped
In October we supported 12 women! Here’s how we helped…
- phones and a phone bill
- gift cards: grocery, gas, Tim Hortons, A&W, McDonalds, Subway, Dollar Store
- storage locker, bus pass, housing essentials, clothing and shoes
- notary services
Supporting these 12 women added up to $2495 in gift cards and $990.00 in additional expenditures. Thank you for your continued support of NWHW. Let the magic continue!
In The News
Netflix’s ‘Maid’ sparks idea for Nanaimo group to support women leaving intimate partner violence. May 2, 2025 (see all our media stories here)
FAQ
How do women in crisis access your support?
We provide women fleeing intimate partner violence with resources via partnerships with organizations and non-profits in the mid-island region. NWHW works exclusively through referrals from trusted local organizations. Our referral portal walks you through the process.
We do not accept self-referrals. If a woman in crisis reaches out to us directly, we guide her to frontline organizations listed on our resources page. If one of these organizations determines she would benefit from our services, they will connect with us. Our goal is to fill critical gaps, not duplicate existing services.
Can I receive a tax receipt for my donation?
We do not offer tax receipts. As a grassroots organization, our structure allows us to respond quickly to urgent local crisis needs. However, we maintain full financial transparency, sharing financial reports with members at our monthly meetings. Learn more about all the ways we fundraise.
Who do you support?
We support single women, with or without children, who experience intimate partner violence (including but not limited to financial, emotional, mental, sexual and physical), those who have left these relationships and women who have experienced sexual violence. Read our mission and vision.
What kind of support do you provide?
Our assistance is flexible and tailored to individual needs. Some ways we help include:
🛒 Grocery gift cards for immediate food security
🏡 Furniture assistance for a fresh start in a new home
📦 Storage unit support for safe belongings
🏨 Hotel stays for emergency shelter
👕 Clothing & essentials for dignity and comfort
📱 Cell phone access for safety and communication
📄 Paperwork support with volunteers to navigate essential services
🚲 Transportation help, even finding bicycles for clients!