'Purple Light Nights' aids domestic violence victims

PONDERAY — Purple light bulbs and lighting strands are being sold to raise awareness of domestic violence and funds for its victims.

The bulbs are $2 each and the strands are $2 per foot. They are available at Luminesce Lighting & Design Studio, located in the Sandpoint Furniture/Carpet One store on Bonner Mall Way.

It’s the second year Bonner County has joined the Purple Light Nights campaign, which went national last year.

The campaign aims to provide greater awareness of domestic violence, remember its victims and spread the message that domestic violence has no place in the community, said Peggy Frye, supervisor of the county’s Victim Advocate Services Team.

“All of the proceeds will go to VAST for helping victims,” Frye said.

Although the county covers VAST’s administrative and staffing costs, the help VAST provides to victims of domestic violence is sustained entirely through donations.

“Everything we do — the motel stays, gas cards, groceries, everything — is done through donations,” said Frye.

Purple Light Nights campaign originated in Covington, Wash., in 2007 and the idea was shared with communities throughout the country in 2008.

For more information about VAST and how you can help the team, contact Frye at 263-6714.