100 Women Peterborough Raises Over $10,000 For YWCA At First Meeting

100 Women Peterborough in their first meeting, raised $10,000 for YWCA Peterborough Haliburton following a majority vote from the membership at the Venu on Monday.

100 Women Peterborough has supported local charities since 2018 donating over $190,000 to support local community causes. Photo courtesy of 100 Women Peterborough.

“I’d like to extend our utmost gratitude to 100 Women Peterborough for selecting us as the beneficiary for their first event of the year,” said Tina Thornton, YWCA director of philanthropy. “It was truly an honour to share our mission with some of our community’s most dynamic women, and we are so proud to be part of a city and region that clearly demonstrates its caring and commitment toward helping people in need.”

The funding supports YWCA's core programs and services that are meant to provide crucial assistance to thousands of women and children every year, where they offer support, shelter, counselling and crisis intervention for those dealing with the impacts of gender-prejudiced violence and abuse according to a press release.

“The generous donations from 100 Women Peterborough will support the YWCA’s core programs and services through our Journey of Care which helps thousands of women and children each year as they deal with the impacts of gender-based violence and abuse,” said Thornton. “Last year that included over 6,000 nights spent at Crossroads Shelter; almost 1,300 client contacts for the Court Support program; about 350 clients in our Outreach Support program; and more than 3,000 support and crisis calls by phone and text. Our key services also include the START program, which gives women access to over a dozen community support agencies through a centralized meeting; our Women’s Well-Being counseling and peer support program; and providing basic necessities and food for women and children staying in our safe spaces.”

“It’s incredibly moving to witness the collective effort of women in our community rallying together to support the vital cause of the YWCA,” said Rosalea Terry, 100 Women Peterborough founding member. “Our membership’s unified support is not only powerful but also a testament to the strength of our community’s solidarity.”

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YWCA 'Walk a Mile In Their Shoes' Fundraiser Returns to Peterborough On May 24

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s Walk A Mile In Their Shoes returns on May 24 to raise funds for YWCA programs and services helping women and children recover from gender-based violence.

Photo courtesy of YWCA Peterborough.

The YWCA is asking everyone to dig out your red shoes, grab your friends, family or colleagues and join them at Confederation Park for a walk around downtown Peterborough. Check-in for participants will open at 11 a.m. and the walk will begin at noon.

Participants can sign up as solo walkers or with a team. Local groups and businesses are encouraged to join and challenge others to a fundraising contest.

Registration for the event is $40 for a limited-time Early Bird rate. The fee includes lunch at the event, a custom water bottle and a t-shirt.

Proceeds support the YWCA's Journey of Care, which encompasses each of the signature programs and services offered to the women, children and gender-diverse people it serves.

Registrants can go online to create their personal fundraising page or sponsor someone with a donation.

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19th Annual YWCA Empty Bowls Raises Over $33,000 in support of YWCA Nourish Food Programs

The 19th Annual YWCA Empty Bowls campaign raised $33,104 to support their Nourish Food Programs held at The Venue on Feb. 25, announced on Wednesday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF YWCA.

“Our hearts are so full,” said Kim Dolan, YWCA Executive Director. “When I pause to think about all the people and all the time that goes into making this event possible year after year, I’m overwhelmed by the good in our community.”

Ticket holders received a handcrafted ceramic or wooden bowl and a restaurant coupon card, entitling them to discounts from 12 participating local restaurants. These include Amandala’s, Baked 4U, Black Honey, Central Smith, Fresh Dreams, Naked Chocolate, Pastry Peddler, Sam’s Place, That’s a Wrap and The Cheesy Fromage. 

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Tickets Are Now On Sale for YWCA Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser

Tickets are now on sale for the 19th annual YWCA Empty Bowls fundraising event at The Venue on Feb. 25.

photo courtesy of Ywca.

YWCA Empty Bowls ticket holders will visit The Venue (286 George St. N) between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will have 30 minutes to browse and select a hand-crafted bowl. These bowls were generously donated by local artisans of the Kawartha Potters Guild and Kawartha Woodturners Guild.

Each $50 ticket also includes a local restaurant coupon card featuring discounts from various partnering restaurants and businesses, redeemable for six months.

“In Peterborough, 1-in-7 households are experiencing food-insecurity,” says YWCA manager of nourish Joëlle Favreau. “Every ticket for YWCA Empty Bowls helps individuals and families most at risk of experiencing food insecurity put fresh, local, affordable food on their tables, while also supporting the systemic changes required to end food insecurity and poverty.”

All proceeds from the event directly support YWCA Nourish Food programs throughout Peterborough City and County.

“We’re extremely grateful for the continued support of our community and our sponsors, including Kawartha Cardiology Clinic, Cornerstone Family Dentistry and The Venue, who truly understand that food insecurity is a critical health issue and a core barrier for women experiencing gender-based violence,” says YWCA executive director Kim Dolan.

Purchase you tickets online or by calling YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. For more information, contact Ria Nicholson at 705-743-3526 x113 or via email.

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YWCA and Local Donors Matching Donations For Women and Children During the Holidays

Double the impact for local women and children this holiday season with the YWCA as they are matching donations up to $88,500 until midnight on Dec. 31.

Photo courtesy of YWCA Peterborough.

On any given night, over 6,000 Canadian women and children sleep in shelters because they aren't safe at home according to the YWCA. The funds raised aid women and children experiencing gender-based violence.

YWCA’s Crossroads Shelter, Haliburton Emergency Rural SafeSpace (HERS) and other support programs receive only partial government funding and are unable to cover basic operating costs without fundraising as stated in a press release. As demand for gender-based violence support continues to grow, the need for funding has reached critical proportions YWCA says.

Supporters are encouraged to register as holiday sponsors or donate gift cards to provide extra support for local moms and kids.

Donations can be made by donating online at ywcapeterborough.org or by phone at 705-743-3526.

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YWCA Hosts 'Challenge For Mom' To Raise Fund For Programs That Help Mothers In Need

YWCA invites local businesses and community members to show their support for women experiencing gender-based violence by joining the YWCA Challenge for Mom, a fundraiser on from May 1 until Mother’s Day (May 8).

Stock Photo.

“The YWCA Challenge for Mom is an opportunity to engage with members of our community and ensure that there is widespread knowledge of the resources that continue to be available at the YWCA for women and their children, while also working together to raise funds for core shelter and support services,” said Ria Nicholson, YWCA.

Community members are encouraged to visit www.ywcapeterborough.org, set a fundraising goal, and invite family, friends and coworkers to make a donation online or support them in accomplishing a fundraising activity.

Participants who raise $250 or more will be entered in a draw to win one of three prizes, kindly donated by local businesses (details available online).

“Violence against women has intensified. Locally, the need for YWCA shelter and support services for women and children increased by 30% during the pandemic. We’ve also witnessed an alarming increase in the severity of abuse being inflicted,” said YWCA Executive Director, Kim Dolan.

Proceeds from the initiative will fund YWCA programs that receive only partial government funding, including Crossroads Shelter, Haliburton Emergency Rural SafeSpace (HERS), Family Court Support, Transition Support, Nourish, and more.

To learn more about how the pandemic has intensified violence against women, or to discuss possible corporate partnership opportunities visit www.ywcapeterborough.org or contact Ria Nicholson, YWCA Lead Philanthropic Advisor at 705-743-3526 x113 or rnicholson@ywcapeterborough.org.

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Peterborough Kinsmen Raise $20,000 For YWCA Crossroads Emergency Shelter For Gender-Based Violence

The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough donated $20,000 in support of Safe Nights at YWCA Crossroads Shelter this month announced on Thursday.

Barry Craft, Kinsmen Club of Peterborough president (left) and Kim Dolan, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Executive Director (right).

The emergency shelter is for women and children experiencing gender-based violence.

"The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough is very fortunate to be in a position to provide financial assistance to the YWCA Crossroads Safe Nights program,” said Barry Craft, Kinsmen Club of Peterborough president, “This donation is a result of the tremendous community support we have experienced with the Kinsmen Super TV Bingo recently.”

YWCA Crossroads Shelter has remained open throughout the pandemic.

The need for violence against women services has risen by approximately 30 per cent since the onset of the COVID-19 according to the YWCA.

“This wonderful demonstration of support will provide just over 300 Safe Nights for women and children in our community who have no safe place to turn,” said Kim Dolan, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Executive Director. “We’re immensely grateful for the Kinsmen’s support and continued dedication to our local community.”

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YWCA Announces the Hazel Education Bursary Call for Applications Opens on International Women’s Day

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Education Awards Committee has opened the applications for the 2022 Hazel Education Bursary, on Tuesday, International Women’s Day.

Photo courtesy of YWCA Peterborough Halliburton.

YWCA Hazel Education Bursary is intended to help women who have experienced gender-based violence reach their goals through education or training.

The Hazel Education Bursary was created by friends the friends and family of Hazel, a local woman who had a vision of helping women pursue their dreams and overcome barriers related to their experiences of violence and abuse.

“While battling the bout of cancer, she took us — my brother, sister, and I, from a life of domination and violence. We were faced with nothing, but what we were leaving behind posed such a threat that ‘nothing’ was better than how we had lived,” Hazel’s daughter noted on the YWCA website. “Alongside Mum, many have faced overwhelming battles and carried on. Rebuilding our lives through such hurdles as court, lawyers, house seeking, and remaining safe, she found ways to deal with her own pain on the side and showed us how to live this new life. These experiences she used later to give a chance to friends, colleagues and acquaintances.”

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Board of Directors, through the Education Awards Committee, and with the generosity of donors in our community, offers bursaries of $1,500 or $2,500 to women who: 

• have experienced barriers related to the impact of violence and abuse; 

• have a dream to strengthen their economic security;

• are a resident of Peterborough or Haliburton County;

• seek to further their formal or informal education, or develop skills.

Women from rural areas will be given special consideration for this award, as per Hazel’s request.

Application must be submitted by email to Yvonne Porter by May 8.

two references (non-family members preferred) must submit a completed 2022 Reference Form by email to Yvonne Porter by May 16.

Application forms can be found here.

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Annual YWCA Empty Bowls Event Raised $31,427

A grand total of $31,427 was raised in support of YWCA Nourish Food Programs at the 18 th annual YWCA Empty Bowls event held at The Venue on Feb. 26.

YWCA Empty Bowls fundraiser 2021. Photo courtesy of YWCA.

Ticket holders at this year’s event received a handcrafted ceramic or wooden bowl and a restaurant coupon card, featuring discounts from 12 participating local restaurants.

“Our hearts are so full,” said YWCA Executive Director Kim Dolan. “When I pause to think about all the people and all the time that goes into making this event possible year after year, I’m overwhelmed by the good in our community. Thank you to everyone who carved, created, sponsored, donated, attended, or lent a hand in order to help folks experiencing food insecurity. Your support of Nourish means so much to the hundreds of people in our community who access our healthy food workshops, advocacy training, community gardens, and food boxes every month.”

Those interested in learning more about the event, or the YWCA’s upcoming Virtual Challenge taking place this May in celebration of Mother’s Day, are encouraged to contact Ria Nicholson at 705-743-3526 x113 or rnicholson@ywcapeterborough.org.

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YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Is Seeking Volunteers To Join Board Of Directors

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton is seeking volunteers to join the Board of Directors and board committees.

Stock photo.

“We are looking for volunteers who are passionate about women’s issues and have the desire to be involved with an organization that provides life-saving emergency shelter and support programs, tools and resources that help women and children thrive,” said Wendy Hicks, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Board President. “The YWCA plays a vital role in our community and its sustainability depends on women who will make impactful decisions in support of our mission: to support the right of all women and their families to live free from violence, poverty and oppression as they build their desired futures.”

Those interested in volunteering should have between 10 – 12 hours a month to contribute and submit information through the online application by April 1.

“We value varied skills and experiences, and we are particularly interested in the areas of finance, human resources, strategic planning and governance",” said Kelly Zatorski, Chair of the Nominating Committee. As an organization, we have always been committed to ensuring a diverse perspective, one that is a reflection of the communities we serve.”

Candidates who meet this year's requirements will be invited to submit their resumes, followed by 30-minute virtual interviews scheduled toward the end of April. New appointments will be made at the YWCA’s annual meeting in June 2022.

Questions can be directed to ywcaph.boardrecruitment@gmail.com.

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