Participants of the YWCA Challenge for Mom, held between May 1 and Mother’s Day, raised more than $31,000 in support of core YWCA programs serving women and children affected by gender-based violence in Peterborough and Haliburton County.
“Locally, the need for emergency support has increased by 30% since the pandemic began,” explains YWCA’s Ria Nicholson. “With the rising cost of living, women trapped in violent situations - particularly mothers - have even fewer options available than before. Services like Crossroads Shelter, HERS (Haliburton Emergency Rural SafeSpace), Transition and Court Support, and Nourish food programs provided by the YWCA are absolutely essential to women’s safety.”
Many local businesses in Peterborough contributed by donating prizes.
Prizes included a Self and Home Care Prize valued at $800, donated by Euphoria Wellness Spa and Swish Maintenance Ltd., a Décor Prize valued at $750, donated by Leon’s Peterborough and a Foodie Prize valued at $475, donated by Ashburnham Alehouse, Primal Cuts, Morello’s Independent and Millbrook Mercantile. Prize winners were notified personally following the draw on May 31.
YWCA Peterborough Haliburton receives only partial government funding and relies on annual fundraising initiatives to cover basic operating costs. Anyone wishing to add their support is encouraged to visit ywcapeterborough.org or contact Ria Nicholson, Lead Philanthropic Advisor, at 705-743-3526 x113 or rnicholson@ywcapeterborough.org.