Organizers of a sleepover event that pampers Winnipeg sex trade workers for a night are looking for donations and volunteers.
Safe Night Off Winnipeg streets (S.N.O.W. night) will allow women, including transgender women, to escape the streets for a night filled with movies, haircuts, hairstyling, makeup, food, movies, crafts, photos, gift bags and door prizes on Feb. 18.
She’s gone to the event almost half a dozen times and her favorite part is getting a makeover.
“I remember the first time I came to S.N.O.W. night. It felt good to be here, to be pampered. I felt loved and cared for,” she said.
The first time she attended the event, she was working as a prostitute and was addicted to drugs and alcohol, she said.
“All the supports are here. They’re the ones volunteering and doing our nails and stuff, so it makes us feel comfortable.”
Now she’s off the streets and has a family.
When women walk in for S.N.O.W. night, they get to pick out a new comforter, pillow, pajamas, socks, underwear and toiletries that they can keep.
“This is a way to celebrate them and honour them and a chance for them to have a break at night,” said Dianna Bussey, director of the Salvation Army Correctional and Justice Services in Winnipeg. “It’s kind of like a pajama party.”
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