NORWAY — The owners of Play & Grow, a children’s consignment shop on Main Street, received the 2013 Paint the County Purple award for bringing greater awareness about domestic violence in Oxford County.

Kathy Ring and her daughter, Nikki Ring, were presented the award by Diane Gallagher of Safe Voices, Dennis Gray of the United Way and Norway police Chief Rob Federico on Friday afternoon at the store at 446 Main St.

The Paint the County Purple contest was established several years ago to allow Oxford County businesses to showcase their support for Domestic Violence Month in October. Businesses and organizations were asked to hang informational posters, display purple items in windows or reception areas, hang purple lights, pass out purple ribbons and hold a wear-the-color-purple day.

Ring said she and her daughter wanted to participate by decorating their shop. They used such items as purple netting, purple lights and purple children’s clothes. They also provided informational literature to shoppers.

“We thought we could really make a difference,” said Kathy Ring, an advocate for victims for the Oxford County District Attorney’s office.

She said the decorations attracted questions from a large number of people, including visitors from England said they had to see what it was all about.

Safe Voices, established in the Lewiston-Auburn area in 1977, has offices in Farmington, Lewiston, Norway and Rumford. According to its website, the offices provide one-on-one support, support groups, children’s services, advocacy, information and referral, court advocacy, transporting and accommodation for shelter, community education and professional trainings.

The organization provides services to hundreds of victims each year in Oxford County and beyond.

The Respect Team at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School judged the Oxford County entries this year. Seven local businesses participated in the contest.

ldixon@sunjournal,.com

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