The Zonta Club of Chatham-Kent has unveiled a new Purple Bench on the property of Grand West Homeopathy.
Zonta members said it creates a lasting symbol of hope, remembrance, and the community’s commitment to ending domestic and family violence.
The bench, inscribed with “Zonta Club of Chatham-Kent,” joins the global Purple Bench Project, also known as Barb’s Bench, an initiative that honours victims of domestic and family violence while encouraging conversations about prevention, support, and awareness.
The Zonta Club of Chatham-Kent has been serving the community since 1948. For more than 75 years, the club has worked to build a better world for women and girls through advocacy, education, service, and support for local and international initiatives.
Club member Brigitte Davis, owner and operator of Grand West Homeopathy, offered her property as the permanent home for the bench. Located across from the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance at a busy pedestrian crosswalk, the site serves as a reminder to the thousands of people who pass by each day.
“We wanted this bench to be more than just a place to sit,” Davis said in a media release. “We wanted it to be a place that encourages reflection, sparks important conversations, and lets survivors know they are seen, supported, and never alone. Its location across from the hospital and at one of the city’s busiest crosswalks ensures this message reaches our community every day.”
Purple was chosen intentionally, as it has become an internationally recognized colour representing the fight against domestic and family violence and support for survivors.
Dr. Jenny Pelesik, president of the Zonta Club of Chatham-Kent, said the installation reflects the club’s longstanding commitment to improving the lives of women and girls.
“For nearly eight decades, the Zonta Club of Chatham-Kent has been dedicated to building a better world for women and girls,“ she said. “This Purple Bench is a visible reminder that domestic and family violence affects every community and that we all have a role to play in creating safe, respectful, and violence-free lives for everyone. We hope it inspires awareness, compassion, and action while reminding those experiencing abuse that help is available and our community cares.”
The Purple Bench was manufactured and installed by Fabmaster Welding, a locally owned metal fabrication company based in Ridgetown.
The Purple Bench stands as a lasting symbol of the Zonta Club of Chatham-Kent’s commitment to advocacy and community leadership. By participating in this international initiative, the club hopes to increase awareness, honour those affected by domestic and family violence, and encourage anyone experiencing abuse to seek help and support. Through education, advocacy, and community partnerships, the club continues its mission of building a better world for women and girls.
