By Paisley Skeith SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News)- A Syracuse non-profit for victims of domestic violence is celebrating the 25th Annual White Ribbon Campaign. The Vera House is honoring Women’s History Month by raising money for victims with a campaign led by men.
The Vera House will commemorate the White Ribbon Campaign by hosting a march, giving out limited edition t-shirts, and more. The campaign pledges to promote safe and healthy relationships by placing white ribbons around Downtown Syracuse, Vera House Director of Marketing and Communications Chris Benton said.
“It’s important to us because it’s the one focused time of year where we can really dedicate to educating and creating awareness,” Benton added.
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White Ribbon Pin outside of the Vera House.
© 2019 Paisley Skeith
On March 29th the Vera House will host the 29th Annual White Ribbon Campaign march. Hundreds of people will march through downtown Syracuse decorating trees and light posts with white ribbons, while wearing their white ribbon pins. The campaign is unique because it’s organized by men, Vera House Special Events Coordinator Hannah Fuller said.
“Highlighting a campaign that is led by men who are saying exactly that they are going to pledge publicly, that this is not something they will condone, commit, or remain silent about is creating a safer space for everybody to live in and setting a powerful example for other men,” Fuller said.
The campaign was started by men in Canada 25 years ago.
“The core to the white ribbon campaign is men really leading the charge and ending violence against women,” Benton said.
The March begins in Clinton Square and ends at the Downtown Marriott Hotel. The Vera House will also be hosting eight educational seminars on domestic violence awareness throughout the month.
