Shelter Movers, a national organization that provides free moving and storage services to women and children fleeing abuse, is extending its services to families in Mississauga and Peel.

Here’s a bit about them and how you can get involved:

1. What prompted the decision to launch a Peel Region chapter instead of keeping it as Greater Toronto?
The decision to move into Peel Region arose organically; we were already completing the occasional move in the area for survivors who were moving to Peel Region from Toronto or vice versa. As well, a number of our volunteers were living in Peel Region but commuting to Toronto to participate in our moves. No service of our kind existed in the area, and given the presence of a small group of volunteers, as well as the support of our storage and security partners, it made sense for us to increase our capacity to be able to extend our service to cover Peel Region.

2. What's the one key message you want to get out into the community about Shelter Movers?
When survivors finally make the decision to flee abuse they face the prospect of losing everything they own. Shelter Movers is the only service of its kind in Canada and helps families begin a new life on their own terms.

3. How can our community become involved and support Shelter Movers?
If you’re able to give, donations are always a huge help! Just $200 allows us to move one family away from abuse. Visit sheltermovers.com/donate if you can help! If you’re not able to donate but you can give your time we are always looking for volunteers. We always need people to physically get out there and do moves; packing boxes and lifting furniture is a great way to get active and make a real, tangible impact on families in the community. There are also many administrative roles that can be done remotely. Anyone interested in volunteering in the Peel Region can email our team at volunteerGTA@sheltermovers.com and include "Peel Region" in the subject line.

4. How can businesses become involved?
Our Corporate Partners are champions in the community, making it possible for Shelter Movers to offer no cost moving and storage services to survivors of gender-based violence. Corporate Partnerships may include team employee engagement opportunities. To learn more about how your business can become a Corporate Partner, please contact Amanda Levine at amanda@sheltermovers.com.

Founded in 2016, Shelter Movers is the only organization in Canada providing free moving and storage services for women and children fleeing abuse.