Canadian Ladies of Rock help domestic violence survivors through climbing

The Ladies of Rock (LOR) Initiative offers a climbing program for women who are leaving relationships dominated by domestic violence. The 11-week program will be offered at no charge to participants from women’s shelters. The pilot will be delivered by the Alpine Club of Canada n 2020 out of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The program includes Gym Conditioning and a Rock Experience. The tailored program will include counsellor support and child care for the participants. The participants will experience climbing in a safe and supportive community environment, designed for their enrichment and empowerment. 

The Ladies of Rock Initiative was founded by rock climber and Alpine Club of Canada rock trip leader Lucie Levesque. Having experienced the damaging effects of domestic violence as a child, and benefited from the rich rewards of rock climbing, Lucie was impassioned to bring climbing to women leaving domestic violence. Strength of mind, body, and spirit, and the exquisiteness of  an emboldened sense of identity, community, and promise. These are the gifts Ladies of Rock offers.

The Ladies of Rock Initiative is supported by a committee of 9 women and other volunteers. Their goal is to ensure that the Initiative meets its objectives, including successful fundraising for, and delivery of the pilot Ladies of Rock Program to women from Saskatoon Interval House and Adelle House. The Ladies of Rock will only succeed through the dedication and enthusiasm of partners and volunteers, and the generosity of socially-conscious donors. Please visit www.ladiesofrock.org to see how you can support Ladies and Rock and help women, and so their children and our communities, move beyond the effects of domestic violence.