WELLINGTON COUNTY – Victim Services Wellington and Loblaw Companies Ltd. have partnered to bring the “Ask for Angela” campaign to Wellington County.
“These girls are our girls,” said executive director for Victim Services Wellington Elizabeth Kent.
“These girls aren’t coming from other countries, these are our girls. They are coming from our communities.”
The “Ask for Angela” campaign will enable customers in unsafe situations to discreetly approach staff and escape the unsafe situation.
At all Loblaws stores in Guelph and Wellington County – No Frills, Zehrs, Shoppers Drug Mart and Your Independent Grocers – customers need only to approach a staff member and ask for “Angela.”
This code phrase will alert staff that the individual may be unsafe and requires assistance.
The staff member will guide the person to a secure and private location, allowing for open dialogue and an accurate assessment of their needs.
They will then be offered connection to resources like Victim Services Wellington, which provides wrap-around support to men, women and children experiencing gender-based violence.
Kent said she is grateful for being able to partner with Loblaws, noting the company has put a lot of effort into this program.
“I’m really impressed with Loblaws and how they’ve really looked at every angle of this,” said Kent.
“I’ve been very impressed by how much work they’ve put into it (the program).”
The “Ask for Angela” campaign originated in the United Kingdom in 2016 and has garnered widespread recognition throughout Europe for its ability to assist individuals who feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened.
Since its beginning the campaign has expanded into Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada, with the campaign being implemented in Toronto earlier this year.
Kent said Loblaws staff members have already been trained and the campaign is ready to go.
“All of the stores in Wellington County and Guelph have been trained, so we are ready to go,” said Kent.
For more information about the “Ask for Angela” campaign or if you know someone who is a victim of gender-based violence, email victim@vswguelph.on.ca or call 519-824-1212 ext 7304.
