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With October designated Domestic Violence Awareness Month, several individuals, groups and businesses have stepped forward to help support the Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center in Fort Dodge (D/SAOC).
This Friday, several local businesses will participate in a Jeans Day Fundraiser. For a $5 donation to D/SAOC, employees or staff members can wear jeans to work for the day.
D/SAOC staff also encourage people to wear purple on Jeans Day to show support for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Any business that would like to participate can contact Leah Bair, the D/SAOC program director, at (515) 955-2273.
Bair said businesses can participate in Jeans Day any day in October if Friday does not work for them.
On Saturday, the 5th annual Going the Distance Awareness Walk will be held at Sunkissed Meadows disc golf course in Fort Dodge.
The walk starts at 1 p.m. and no pre-registration is required.
The walk is organized by Julie Burke, whose mother was a victim of domestic violence.
Burke's mother was killed on Nov. 2, 1979, by her estranged husband who became violent. Burke was just 2 years old.
Last year was one of the largest turnouts for participants in the walk.
Donations will be accepted at the walk and Burke will sell purple bracelets to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Burke also has a Facebook page with a spot to donate. Just search Going the Distance Domestic Violence Awareness
"I am a survivor. I created this fundraiser in hopes to bring awareness to those who may be living in fear, being harmed and afraid to ask for help," Burke wrote on her Facebook page. "I created this fundraiser to support a community organization that helps save lives. If you are a victim, please know that there is help available. We believe you. I share my story in the hopes that if it helps others, my mother’s death will have saved another’s life."
Fuel and Fit in Fort Dodge will also host a fundraiser for D/SAOC on Oct. 28.
From 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Fuel and Fit will make a donation to D/SAOC for every order. Customers are asked to mention the D/SAOC fundraiser when placing an order.
Fuel and Fit is located at 26 N. 27th Street.