The YWCA’s women’s safe shelter program received a financial boost last week from a newly formed charitable organization in the valley.
On July 22, the 100 Women Who Care organization presented $11,000 to Banff’s YWCA facility.
The YWCA is the second recipient picked this year by the newly formed 100 Women Who Care Rockies chapter, made up of local Bow Valley women who democratically decide each quarter of the year to provide charitable fundraising for a local organization.
“I think for a new model of fundraising, and to learn about what local groups are doing, especially for organizations like us who are always trying to raise funds to offer programs, this is wonderful,” Banff YWCA CEO Connie MacDonald said of the donation.
“To be able to access the funds is so significant; we work so hard to raise that kind of money in the valley and what is particularly interesting about the program for us is that it’s been able to introduce us to many new women in the Bow Valley, both in Banff and Canmore and I love that it’s a Bow Valley program.
“The funds will go toward facilitating our safe shelter program. Through the program we facilitate safe shelter for women throughout the Bow Valley.”
The 100 Women Who Care Rockies chapter now has 110 Bow Valley members. There is no limit with membership; anyone interested in the organization is encouraged to contact the group.
“We were thrilled at our last meeting to have broken our goal of reaching 100 women,” 100 Women Who Care member Keltie Patterson said. “We actually have 110 members now and there is no limit, with any and all women welcome either individually or joining as a team. We would like to thank all of our members for their contribution in supporting community causes.”
Both Patterson and MacDonald agreed the program is an excellent way to network and meet community-oriented women in the Bow Valley.
“The opportunity to meet new women from different backgrounds is wonderful, and as a result of that we’ve had a number of women call us about their interest in volunteering or looking at interesting ways to make connections,” MacDonald said.
“It’s an excellent opportunity for women in the Bow Valley to join together and support local charitable causes and make a positive impact in the lives of people living in the Bow Valley,” added Patterson.
The next meeting of 100 Women Who Care Rockies will be held on Sept. 11 at the Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club. Registration is at 6:30 p.m., with the meeting taking place from 7-8 p.m.
Visit, www.100womenrockies.com for more information and updates.
