There’s no escaping the amount of support downtown’s Escape Room Barrie is showing the Women & Children’s Shelter of Barrie.
Both organizations are teaming up for a month-long fundraising campaign in November, with 50 per cent of profits from group bookings every Wednesday going to the shelter. The shelter provides emergency services, supports and various programs for women and children who flee from domestic violence.
The Escape Room Barrie, located at 38 Ellen St., is owned by married couple Kathryn and Tim Abel. Kathryn said when the Women & Children’s Shelter approached them about the initiative, she jumped at the opportunity to help an organization that supports so many women and children.
“They reached out to us because they were looking for some extra support — we jumped on board pretty fast,” she said.
“We would have worked with other local organizations, but we’re happy to help by donating proceeds to the shelter.”
Kathryn said that as a woman who runs a business, showing support for other women and children is important, while keeping a local focus.
“I’m a woman who owns a business in downtown Barrie, so I think it’s important to focus on charities, non-profits and community organizations — especially ones that help women and children,” she said.
“We try to keep everything close to home because the Escape Room is a small independent business here in Barrie. We like being very community connected.”
Tim added that supporting an organization like the Women & Children’s Shelter is gratifying because it helps people who need it most.
“I think it’s important to do something specific like this, especially when you want to show the strength of women,” he said.
“Coming from a woman business owner, it’s incredibly important to support that.”
In a news release, community development manager for the shelter, Danielle Parks-Hamer, thanked Escape Room Barrie for its partnership.
“We’re so grateful to Escape Room Barrie for their generosity and creativity in supporting our mission,” she said.
If the initiative is a success, Kathryn said she and Tim would be happy to unlock the door for another fundraising campaign.
“For sure, we would love to do this again and help our community,” she said.
