The first-ever Mother’s Day market at Reif Estate Winery wanted to ensure that Mom was happy on her special day, but did so with the reminder that domestic violence toward mothers and children is a problem that needs as much attention as the annual holiday.
The winery says more than 2,000 people filed through the gates on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy a stroll through the market which, in turn, helped support Birchway Niagara.
Formerly known as Women’s Place, Birchway is an organization that shelters, advocates for and supports women and children in abusive living conditions.
Danielle Kessel, the winery’s director of operations, said it partners with charities throughout the year.
“Birchway Niagara, we thought, would be a good partnership, especially with it being Mother’s Day, which goes hand-in-hand with respecting and loving mothers,” she said.
A portion of the proceeds from the Mother’s Day weekend wine bar as well as bottle sales from the event and throughout the week were earmarked for Birchway as a general donation.
By Wednesday, $2,000 had been raised, said Kessel.
Providing a boost for the cause was Reif Estate Winery’s inclusion as a stop on the Sip & Sizzle tour from Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
That brought another 300 people through the gates, said Kessel.
More than 50 vendors made up the market, selling everything from flowers, jewelry, jams and treats, food truck eats, crafts and clothing: “All the things that moms love,” Kessel said.
