April 2020 officially marks the 19th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and even though we are all still practicing social distancing, there is still a way to commemorate the occasion and support the cause.
Feminist Flea Market & Craft Fair recently announced its decision to host a benefit next week through Instagram to support WOAR, Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, a nonprofit organization in the city whose main mission, according to its website, is to eliminate all forms of sexual violence through specialized treatment services, comprehensive prevention education programs and advocacy for the rights of victims of sexual assault. WOAR was founded originally in 1971, then incorporated two years later becoming the City of Sisterly Love’s first crisis center, and also one of the first in the nation as well. Over the past four decades, WOAR has been providing essential services to victims of sexual assault offering a lifeline that is so vitally needed.
Next week, Philadelphians can help prolong those efforts by participating in the online auction which WOAR and Feminist Flea Market & Craft Fair teamed up for, with all products being offered from local businesses, making this virtual event a win-win on all fronts in the face of our current situation.
Over 25 vendors will be participating next Thursday, with unique finds ranging from handmade jewelry, tea, candles and paintings, an intuitive tarot reading, sustainable clothing and much more. Many of these artists were supposed to sell their hand-crafted goods last month at a flea market at the Bok, but with this particular event, instead, they have donated everything being offered so 100% of proceeds will go directly to WOAR. If you like what you see at the auction next Thursday, you can buy the products while helping a great cause, and in turn, also possibly find your new favorite local business—any exposure for Philly vendors is paramount right now, and this market offers just that on top of essential exposure for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
According to the release, Feminist Flea and WOAR will also be unveiling a limited edition SAAM t-shirt designed by local artist Nicole Saltzer, who has designed some well-known logos around Philly including for Funky Fresh Kombucha and Cafe Y Chocolate, and even murals around the city as well. Proceeds from the shirt sale will be donated to WOAR, and these donations will help support WOAR’s many services including the 24-hour hotline, individual and group counseling and sex trafficking advocacy and intervention. WOAR is able to continue its mission through support from their community partners including their Certified Safe Bars—Barrel House, Devil’s Den, Love City Brewing and the Raven Lounge.
With the quarantine still in full effect, it’s a tough time for all, one way or another. The event next week will help on more than one front and could make all of the difference in the world for some. Supporting the noble cause of WOAR, showing some love to local Philly vendors and being able to purchase items that put a smile on your own face will certainly make an impact. To be able to do all of that while still helping to flatten the curve safely from your home is just the icing on the cake.
Although all non-essential business are closed, including the WOAR’s office, Philadelphians can still access their hotline 24/7 at 215-985-3333, or by contacting them though social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn at @WOARphila. Or, if you can’t join in on the auction next Thursday, Philadelphians can also show support by updating your profile picture to use WOAR’s unique frame by visiting facebook.com/profilepicframes.
To participate in the auction next Thursday, April 30 (8 a.m.-11 p.m.) visit Feminist Flea Market on Instagram @feminist_flea and find more information at housecatpresents.com/feminist-flea. More information on WOAR can also be found at woar.org.
