Chief's Gala Supports Healing Journey

In her darkest hour, Victim Services Toronto (VST) was there to remind a victim of human trafficking that hope still exists.

With their support, Julia began to understand that sex trafficking and drugs were not her fault. Now sober and expecting her second child, she has rebuilt her relationship with her family and found a partner who treats her with love and respect.

Victim Services has been there with her every step of the way.

“With their support, my eyes were opened to the reality of what happened to me, and I stopped blaming myself,” Julia said at the 18th annual Chief’s Gala to support VST on November 13. “I joined group after group and, in the beginning, my sister came with me because I was too scared to go alone.”

She credits VST counsellor and human trafficking survivor Kaitlin Bick with changing the course of her life.

“Kaitlin saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself,” Julia said. “When I was drowning in shame and self-doubt, she helped me see my strength. She reminded me that I wasn’t alone and that I was worthy of care, compassion and a future. She stood beside me when I couldn’t stand on my own. Because of her, I began to believe that healing was not only possible, but that I deserved it.”

After dropping out of school at age 16, she returned to the classroom and is a few credits away from graduating.

“I have learned to love and forgive myself,” added Julia. “I stand before you tonight as living proof that healing is possible, change is possible and self-love is possible. To anyone out there who feels broken or ashamed or beyond repair, please know you are not what happened to you. You are what you choose to become.”

Hearing about the work VST does is one thing, but seeing the team in action as they comfort a family in crisis is something entirely different.

Chief Myron Demkiw witnessed this firsthand this summer when eight-year-old JahVai Roy died after being struck by a stray bullet in his bedroom.

“When I went to see his mother the weekend of the tragedy, it was very reassuring to me to see that Victim Services Toronto was already there, supporting the family during this very difficult time,” he said. “I know that their presence had an impact on the family and the community, and it also had an impact on me as I know it does on every police officer and member who relies on the professional people at Victim Services who are ready to step in during and after difficult events in our city. Victim Services Toronto always answers the call.”

Every year, Toronto Police refers thousands of victims of crime and sudden tragedy as well as witnesses to VST.

“We know that when survivors are supported, from first response through to conviction at court and beyond, witness participation increases, testimony strengths and outcomes improve,” said Demkiw. “That’s a fact. In a world full of uncertainty, a world that is changing fast and a world where building and rebuilding a sense of community is more important than ever, we must be able to rely on one another.”

The gala is VST’s major fundraiser, last year’s gala raised over $1.5 million.

This year’s presenting sponsors were Loblaws and OnX.

Demkiw thanked everyone who came to the event for their generosity in helping save lives.

“When victims are cared for, from crisis to court to healing, everyone is safer and our communities are stronger,” he said. “Even as the world is going through a lot of uncertainty right now, what makes me optimistic for the future is to see so many people like you ready to step up. Thank you for being here, for your generosity and please know that all the support you can offer is greatly appreciated.”

Premier Doug Ford said the staff and volunteers offer incredible support 24/7.

“People experiencing the worst and most challenging moments of their lives,” the Premier said.

Vince Talucci, Executive Director of the International Association of Chiefs of Police based in Virginia, also attended in support of the event.

Mayor Olivia Chow expressed strong support for Victim Services Toronto, recognizing the organization’s vital role in helping victims of crime and tragedy rebuild their lives with compassion and dignity.

“On too many occasions, I have stood at a vigil holding a grieving mother’s hand with Chief Demkiw on one side,” she said. “In those difficult times, Victim Services Toronto is there for them to provide counselling, housing support and a steady presence when everything feels like it is falling apart.”

VST is a multi-service agency providing crisis response, trauma and support services to victims of crime and sudden tragic circumstances 24 hours a day.

Supervised by crisis counsellors, volunteers provide crisis intervention and referrals, assist on the telephone or attend the scene as requested and also help with fundraising and other community outreach initiatives.

Those subjected to crime and sudden tragic circumstances can access crisis and support services.

Carly Kalish, VST’s Chief Executive Officer said fundraising allows her organization to be there when people are facing their darkest hours.

“Over the years, I’ve learned something about the kind of people who fill rooms like this,” she said. “When the headlines fade and the crowds go home, you keep showing up. You believe in the quiet work of compassion -- steady, practical and relentless. It’s the hand on a shaking shoulder at 3 a.m. It’s a safety plan whispered with care. It’s a warm coat, a bus ticket, a lawyer on the line, a counsellor who stays until the trembling stops.

“You’ve heard us tell the stories that brought us here. Stories like the woman whose son was kidnapped, and we stayed by her side until he was home. Or the 12-year-old girl pushed to the margins when she found the pictures of her own sexual assault on her father’s phone, who reached our crisis line and, on the other end, found someone who would not let her go. The family who lost their son to a stray bullet while he was sleeping in his bed and found, in the span of a single night, a community ready with shelter, meals, warmth and a path back to stability. These are not just stories of harm. They are stories of help arriving right on time. These are stories that are possible because of you.”

Kalish praised the VST counsellors, advocates and volunteers that she said, ‘carry the weight for a while so a neighbour can lift their head again’ and Demkiw and his TPS team for their commitment to compassionate, survivor-centred practice.

She also thanked donors for investing in the dignity and safety of their neighbours.

“But let’s be honest, vision without resources is a wish,” Kalish said. “If we are to answer the next call, and we will, then we need you.”

VST supported over 17,500 victims last year.

Learn more about Victim Services Toronto.