Community yard sale in Beach Triangle on July 20 will support Aurora House’s work helping victims of human trafficking

By ABBY RUSSCHEN

Beach Triangle community members are invited to a yard and bake sale fundraiser in support of Aurora House on Sunday, July 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the MNLC on Queen Street East.

East enders are welcome to come to connect with neighbours and learn more about Aurora House, a housing and support organization assisting people who identify as women and their children who have been victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and exploitation.

Aurora House provides more than just housing as they also assist women through all aspects of rebuilding their lives, including helping navigate the economic and legal challenges that come from trafficking.

“We not only provide them the housing space, but we provide them mental health counselling, case management, support for their particular financial situation, their criminal or their legal situations as much as possible, and if they have settlement issues, we also help with that,” said Dwayne O’Connor, executive director of MNLC, the organization that operates Aurora House.

Even after victims stay at Aurora House, the organization continues to help as much as possible by securing permanent housing for its residents.

Organizers said the fundraiser aims not only to raise money but to build awareness about the realities of human trafficking and highlight the importance of community-based support. The event on July 20 will be centred at the MNLC, 1774 Queen St. E., and is going to be welcoming, engaging, and informative.

“We really just wanted to make it a feel-good event for our neighbours and for anyone else who wants to come by and participate, have some fun, chat with people, learn about what we’re doing at Aurora House, and to get involved in some way would be amazing,” said O’Connor.

There will be baked goods, authentic churros, and arepas for sale, along with a raffle featuring items donated by local businesses.

Residents in the Beach Triangle area, where the MNLC is located, can contribute to the event in a number of ways. Donating items for the yard sale – either before or on the day of the event, hosting their own independent yard sale on July 20 and donating a portion of the proceeds to Aurora House, or simply attending, participating and spreading the word about the organization and important work they do can help the cause.

“This is a very critical time for organizations like Aurora House,” said O’Connor.

The need for support continues to grow consistently. Aurora House currently has room for up to seven residents along with their children, and as of this month, the home is nearing full capacity. With rising housing insecurity, pressure is on social assistance programs, and the organization is actively looking to expand its services to reach more families in need.

They are committed to helping survivors in every step of rebuilding their lives, but they can’t do it alone.

To learn more, please email epope@mnlct.org or go online to https://www.aurorahouse.ca/