Media credit: CityNews
The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness for many, but for others, it can underscore silent struggles hidden behind closed doors. That’s where organizations like Shelter Movers step in, providing critical support to survivors of intimate partner violence. At Bristol Car and Truck Rentals, we are honoured to partner with Shelter Movers, offering our rental vehicles and services to ensure their life-changing mission is always on the move.
Empowering Survivors Through Mobility
Shelter Movers is a volunteer-powered organization dedicated to helping survivors of intimate partner violence transition to a life free from violence. Working in collaboration with local partners—including shelters, police, and community services—they provide a lifeline for those ready to leave dangerous situations. Shelter Movers arranges to pack, move, and securely store survivors’ belongings, all at no cost to the client. By addressing one of the most dangerous times for survivors—the act of leaving—Shelter Movers offers not just logistical support but also emotional empowerment.
Image credit: CityNews
The Role of Bristol Car and Truck Rental
We at Bristol Car and Truck Rentals understand that reliable transportation is a cornerstone of Shelter Movers’ work. Our team takes pride in offering top-quality trucks and vehicles at the best rates, ensuring Shelter Movers can carry out their mission without logistical hurdles. During the busy holiday season, when calls for help remain steady, Bristol has been there, providing trucks and ensuring their availability even during peak times.
Our Toronto team goes the extra mile to make things seamless for Shelter Movers. From free vehicle pickup and drop-off to ready availability of trucks suited for both small and large moves, we strive to be a dependable partner. This December, Shelter Movers achieved a remarkable milestone of completing 500 moves in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) for the year, with 60 of those moves happening during the holiday season alone. Bristol is proud to have played a part in making these life-changing moves possible.
Gerry Weintraub, Branch Manager with Bristol Car and Truck Rental, shared, “We are deeply committed to supporting Shelter Movers and their incredible mission. Providing reliable vehicles is just one way we can help make a difference in the lives of survivors. It’s an honour to contribute to such meaningful work and help drive positive change in our community.”
Image credit: CityNews
A Shared Commitment to Community
As highlighted in the recent CityNews segment, Shelter Movers’ work fills a crucial gap in supporting survivors of intimate partner violence, particularly during the holidays when calls for help often remain steady. The report showcased the tireless efforts of volunteers who, with the help of community partnerships, completed their 500th move of the year in the GTA this December. Bristol Car and Truck Rental was featured as a key supporter, ensuring the organization’s mission remained on track even during the busiest times.
As a Canadian company deeply rooted in the communities we serve, Bristol Car and Truck Rentals is committed to making a positive impact. Supporting Shelter Movers aligns perfectly with our values. Beyond providing vehicles, we aim to contribute to the larger goal of addressing gender-based violence and fostering safer, stronger communities.
Image credit: CityNews. In this image: Meredith Cammisuli, Shelter Movers, Greater Toronto
Stories of Resilience and Hope
In the words of Meredith, from Shelter Movers Greater Toronto, “It makes me incredibly proud of our work. It makes me worried about the other families we haven’t been able to support yet.” These poignant reflections highlight both the immense value of Shelter Movers’ work and the challenges they face. The emotional weight of these moves—both for the clients and the volunteers—is profound, underscoring the importance of reliable support systems.
Looking Ahead
The demand for services like Shelter Movers’ continues to grow. With systemic challenges such as limited funding and resources, community partnerships are more crucial than ever. At Bristol Car and Truck Rental, we pledge to continue our support, ensuring that Shelter Movers and similar organizations have the tools they need to keep their vital work moving forward.
