The Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter will be at capacity this holiday season, assisting women and children in their attempts to escape abuse.

Barbara King was unaware of the shelter’s existence until she required help in 2008. The former gymnastics champion relocated to Calgary from Quebec after rediscovering her love of singing opera.

Following the move, Barbara’s husband became physically abusive and a strike to her neck temporarily claimed her voice.

“It was physical, but it was also emotional,” recalls Barbara. “I just couldn’t do it. I just couldn’t sing.”

Barbara learned of the support the Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter offered after the incident.

“Fortunately I did live with my parents, 'cause I did go back to them,” said Barbara. “I had the shelter, that wasn't the problem, it was mentally and emotionally that I didn't know what to do.”

“I needed to seek help and I didn't know where to go.”

It was members of the Calgary Police Service who advised Barbara to seek out the shelter’s services.

Nearly seven years after Barbara began her relationship with the shelter, she remains a champion for the organization. She is a vocal advocate for the shelter, sharing her own experiences, and volunteering her time to several initiatives including CTV’s Toy Mountain which provides holiday gifts to the women and children who are living at the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter.

The head counsellor at the shelter, name withheld to protect her identity, says having a champion like Barbara gives other women

“I think that knowing that people like Barbara are able to come forward, encourages more women to speak out and ask that question ‘Is this normal?’,” said the head counsellor.

Kimberly Ruse, the executive director of the shelter, has great appreciation for Barbara’s contributions.

“It raises the profile of the issue,” said Ruse. “It shows that the issue can happen to anyone and it removes some of that stigma.”

“We hope that it encourages other victims to come forward.”

With her life and her voice restored, Barbara and her new husband have formed the Calgary Concert Opera Company which gives other singers an avenue to perform.

For all she does for the Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter and for lovers of opera, Barbara King is this week’s Inspiring Albertan.

With files from CTV's Darrel Janz