WARNING: this article contains content related to domestic violence (gender-based violence), which may be distressing to some readers. If you or someone you know has been harmed by domestic violence, contact Archway Society for Domestic Peace at 250-542-1122 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

It wasn't just any volleyball game that took place at Vernon's W.L. Seaton Secondary School Thursday night, Dec. 19. 

For Grade 12 Seaton student Makayla Barker, the game was personal. 

Barker and fellow students Kennedy Jackson and Jaida Correia organized the all-female volleyball game featuring local all-star and alumni players as a fundraiser for Archway Society for Domestic Peace, which helps victims of domestic violence. 

It's a cause that hits home for Barker whose mother, Heather Barker, was killed at The Rise in 2018 in what became a high profile case of intimate partner violence.

"It's an important cause for me," Barker told The Morning Star before the start of the game, which was dubbed the inaugural Smash the Cycle. "(Archway) provides so much for the community and I'm just really happy that we can support them in this way."

Barker said Archway has been a big part of her family ever since her mother's death, and she's grateful for the support it's provided her over the years.

The fundraising volleyball game also serves as Jackson's high school capstone project. Jackson came up with the idea for the volleyball game and recruited her friends to help make it happen. 

"I did it for Makayla," she said. "I think (the cause) is super important."

The game was about raising awareness and support for survivors of domestic violence, as Jackson wrote in a letter to businesses inviting them to donate to the cause. She added that the game is "deeply personal" to her as a close friend of Barker. 

"Through the power of sports and community, we aim to bring people together, raise awareness, and offer a moment of solidarity for those affected by domestic violence," Jackson wrote. 

Hundreds of people filled the gym bleachers to watch the game between Team Purple and Team White, and each person was admitted by donation to Archway. More funds were generated through a silent auction, a bake sale and a raffle with baskets all valued over $300. 

"We've gotten a lot of support from businesses around town," said Correia. "We've gotten a tonne of donations from parents."

Correia has been friends with Barker for a long time and was by her side when she lost her mom. 

"It's a terrible thing and what she went through was really hard, and it's so hard to see how that stuff affects people ... their friends, their family, their kids, it affects everyone," she said. 

"Just being there for Makayla and bringing this event, it's been a chance to learn, to know how to stop (domestic violence) and look out for the signs."

The girls put plenty of effort into the event, which Correia said brought students, teachers and the broader community together.

"There were a tonne of hours that went into making the ribbons (purple ribbons representing domestic violence were distributed at the game), setting it up and booking the gym, and doing all the crafts and decorating," said Correia. "We were so lucky to be supported by our other students and leadership, and so many volunteers."

Correia said the hope is to make Smash the Cycle an annual event. 

Archway provides free and confidential services to people in the North Okanagan who have experienced violence in an intimate relationship, sexual assault, elder abuse or criminal harassment and stalking. Services provided include emotional support, safety planning, support to apply for crime victim assistance funding, help navigating the court system and support with writing victim impact statements.

Archway also runs a transition house that provides shelter for women with or without children who are seeking safety from abuse in their relationship and for recent survivors of sexual assault.