Right now there's a six-month wait list for the Avalon Sexual Assault Centre's counselling program. "We've received a significant increase in the number of requests...as well as other service providers looking for educational resources," says executive director Irene Smith, who attributes that mostly to the high profile Rehtaeh Parsons case. "Unfortunately, we don't have the active resources to put towards it." Which makes May, sexual health awareness month, the perfect time to snag one of Avalon's remaining Light After Dark tickets and help support the organization's fight against sexual assault and the current rape-culture that fosters it. Avalon Centre provides support, educational and advocacy services for those affected by sexual violence and has been working towards local change since 1984. The fourth annual signature fundraiser boasts an intimate concert with ECMA nominee Heather Green (pictured) and a few surprise guests to shake things up, along with both live and silent auctions. "We're looking forward to it," says Smith, "the opportunity to come together as an organization to celebrate the courage of the many women who turn to us for support."
Thursday, May 2, Company House, 2202 Gottingen Street, 6:30pm, $35