After seeing a group assembling comfort kits for unhoused women, Sarah Sherman realized the same kind of support could have helped after her own sexual assault forensic exam. In this episode, Sarah shares how that moment sparked We’re Here For You Canada, a volunteer-run charity that partners with hospitals to provide curated comfort kits to survivors of sexual violence. She explains what’s inside the kits, and why dignity, hope, and choice matter in post-assault care. Sarah also discusses hospital and community partnerships, expansion across Atlantic Canada and beyond, and how storytelling and language can reduce victim-blaming and drive systemic change.

00:00 Introduction
01:44 We’re Here For You Canada’s Origin Story
03:56 What the Comfort Kits Include
06:31 Dignity In Care
07:47 Hospital Partnerships
11:06 Growing Nationwide
13:36 Adapting Stories and Messages for Diverse Audiences
15:32 Survivor Feedback
17:37 Care Without Reporting
21:02 Storytelling as a Strategy to Drive Deeper Understanding
22:22 Why Words Matter
25:26 How To Support We’re Here For You Canada
27:04 Final Reflections and Closing Credits

Find out more about We’re Here For You Canada

Website: werehereforyoucanada.ca
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/werehereforyoucanada
Instagram: instagram.com/werehereforyoucanada
Facebook: facebook.com/werehereforyoucanada

About the Raising Impact: Storytelling for Nonprofits podcast

Raising Impact: Storytelling for Nonprofits is a podcast for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and community-minded professionals who want to use storytelling more intentionally. Each episode features conversations about how story builds connection, strengthens fundraising, and supports long-term growth. Grounded in the realities of nonprofit work, the podcast explores practical ideas, lived experience, and real-world approaches to communication, community, and impact.

If your organization could use help turning its stories into stronger fundraising, visit collaborativecause.ca.

New episodes are released monthly. Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to be notified when they’re published. The podcast is hosted by Tanya Wall and Michelle Samson, and is produced by Storied Places Media.