BURSTThe Smithers Rotary Club has presented half of the proceeds from its recent auction to Auntie’s Kitchen.
Auntie’s Kitchen is a healing program created by Shannon William, a police-based victim services worker in the Smithers RCMP Detachment.
William accepted the donation on behalf of the Northern Society for Domestic Peace last week.
A press release from the Smithers RCMP said the donation recognizes the vital role victim services play in supporting healing and prevention alongside policing.
The funds will directly support Auntie’s Kitchen, a safe and welcoming space focused on healing and connection for women and children affected by violence. This support will help sustain and expand workshops that give women the time, space, and support needed to heal, build confidence, and reconnect with their strengths.
“Auntie’s Kitchen shows how important it is to have services alongside policing, where connection can help prevent crises and support families as they rebuild,” said Staff Sergeant Ryan Law, detachment commander of the Smithers RCMP.
The press release went on to state that through her work in victim services, William identified a gap in meaningful connection for women with shared lived experiences and created Auntie’s Kitchen in response.
Through conversation-based workshops, participants explore topics such as grief and loss, healthy relationships, food preservation, and communication styles, while building confidence and a sense of belonging.
“These funds will help to keep the program running and allow my dream to expand to support more women and youth,” said William.
“Auntie’s Kitchen empowers participants to heal, grow, and reach their full potential. The women who take part are cycle breakers, creating safer and healthier futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.”
The other half of the auction’s proceeds will go to the Rotary’s bursary program and other community projects.