By battlefordsNOW

Sex assault counsellor takes unique approach to helping victims

Jan 24, 2017 | 3:27 PM

A Meadow Lake sexual assault counsellor is taking a unique approach to volunteering and fundraising for victims of sexual assault.

As a counsellor with the Meadow Lake and Area Sexual Assault Centre, Jody Bender said as a non-profit organization, the centre often has times where it struggles to purchase much-needed items, such as blankets and clothing.

So she is using her commission from make-up and skin care sales to buy much-needed items for victims of sexual assault.

Following a sexual assault, Bender is usually called to the hospital and when there, she often gets asked if she has clean clothing, underwear or a blanket for the victim. But due to limited funds, the centre couldn’t always provide them.

An avid user of Younique, a makeup company and skin care line that sells products similar to lines like Mary Kay and Avon, Bender said being a salesperson of the product provided an opportunity to assist in purchasing items for victims at the centre through a commission she receives.

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“I got to thinking, due to being a non-profit organization and having limited funding, it would work well to have people continue ordering [and] have the commission go to more supplies,” Bender said. 

As a salesperson of the product, Bender receives a commission for each order placed through her page. Instead of pocketing the money as payment for selling, she purchases items and donates them to victims of sexual assault.

However, the calls aren’t always for sexual assaults.

“Sometimes it’s a suicide attempt which stemmed from a sexual assault so in those circumstances they want something like a blanket to make them feel a little more comfortable or that you care,” Bender said. “Either way, if they just had an assault or in because of a suicide attempt it makes them feel in that moment that someone cares.” 

She added purchased items will be sent to all centres she works in, which include the Battlefords, Green Lake, La Loche, Pierceland and Goodsoil.  

Also for every order Younique receives across their company, they donate a portion of the proceeds to fund a retreat for victims of sexual assault.

According to its website, the company serves under the mission “to uplift, empower, validate, and ultimately build self-esteem in women around the world through high-quality products that encourage both inner and outer beauty and spiritual enlightenment while also providing opportunities for personal growth and financial reward.”

A link to the Benders’ Younique website where orders can be placed can be found here. 

Colton Swiderski is a reporter for meadowlakeNOW. He can be reached at cswiderski@jpbg.ca or tweet him @coltonswiderski.