The first presentation of the Vagina Monologues in the Battlefords raised $5,600 in two performances.
The presentation of playwright Eve Ensler's politically charged and controversial play was organized by Heather O'Neill, who had seen the play performed in Fernie, B.C.
It was O'Neill's first time directing and being on stage, as she also acted in the monologues.
"The whole cast did an amazing job and had a wonderful time being a part of V-Day," said O'Neill. "Looking forward to next year!"
Every year, the Vagina Monologues are performed in over 140 countries to raise awareness and funds to end violence against women as part of the V-Day campaign, an international movement.
The majority of the funds raised at each event are donated to local organizations or programs that fight violence against women, while a portion is forwarded to the non-profit V-Day organization, who uses the funds for a variety of programs and initiatives, such as opening the first-ever women's shelters in Egypt and Iraq.
Of the funds raised here, the Battlefords Interval House received $2,000, while $2,600 went to the Battlefords and Area Sexual Assault Centre.
Since 1980, the Battlefords Interval House has helped over 2,920 families escape domestic violence. Besides their in-house services, Battlefords Interval House also provides a number of resources to victims of violence.
"Any donations we get are very important," said Ann McArthur, executive director of BIH.
McArthur said although donations are greatly appreciated, and will go towards items not covered in their regular budget, the message the Vagina Monologues imparted was equally important.
"I think the awareness the monologues brought to the community about women's issues was just as important to the community as the monetary donation," said McArthur.
Nicole Whitton, director of the Battlefords and Area Sexual Assault Centre, expressed similar sentiments.
"It was amazing to see and aside from being humorous and empowering, it also passed along a lot of useful information about what is happening with women's rights, not just here, but in Canada and across the world," she said.
Whitton said the donation will be used to enhance the centre's resources and programming offered to clients, children and youth. She thanked Battlefords Interval House, who, when approached by O'Neill, mentioned the BASAC could also benefit from the event.
"We are so blessed and thankful for Heather O'Neill and the V-Day group for donating the money to our centre," said Whitton.
The remainder of the proceeds - $1,000 - was sent to the V-Day organization, whose fundraising this year will be used to aid the relief effort in Haiti.
As part of the presentation, Vagina Warrior Awards were handed out to several community members whose work has helped women.
They are: Peggy Westwood, Linda Mushka, Valerie Montgomery-Bull, Eileene Schmidt, Trina Miller, Rose Benson, Erica Desjarlais, Verna Whitford, Kent Lindgren and the Battlefords Interval House staff.
McArthur, who accepted the award on behalf of the BIH staff, said the employees were honoured by the award.
"We have some staff who've been here for a very long time, and I think getting that recognition was something they very much appreciated," said McArthur.
Whitton said, "It was very empowering just to see the group of women we have here in our community that give their time and energy and dedication and love and support to help other women and children."
A number of award recipients were BASAC employees and volunteers.
"I got shivers seeing those women up there being recognized for the work they do every day," said Whitton. "It was a phenomenal evening."
To learn more about the V-Day movement, visit www.vday.org.
