Packed House! Thank you to Crista Renner for our great meeting photos!
Meeting Kick Off and Updates
Our first meeting of 2025 brought out several members! We had a packed room.
Sharon shared quick updates. Our thermometer total is $526,167 with 191 current members. There were several pin recipients – (5) for 3 years, (4) for 5 years and (10) for 10 years!
The Three Nominated Charities
Here is a quick overview of the charities that were nominated for the meeting and the presentations:
1) Up and Running Guelph – Nominated by Suzanne Conquer, Presented by Suzanne Conquer and Kate Webster
Started in 2016, this is a 2x per week peer led nature walking or running group. The group supports those struggling with mental health, including depression. Their focus is to help women stay active and reduce barriers to being active. There are 400 members registered. They meet in groups and walk the trail at Royal City Park. There is a 3-1 ratio between volunteers and participants. The group runs fundraising events and receives grants. Suzanne and Kate shared many examples of the impact of the program:
- Women facing social isolation found community
- Women deep in grief met others to support and share their experience
- Women have been able to reduce or eliminate medications for depression and diabetes
- Women who have considered suicide were supported and through connection saw a way forward to life
Donation funds would go towards paying for a Part Time Administrator to oversee 40 volunteers, run the program and work to partner with other organizations.
2) Guelph Public Library Rosa Rattray Early Literacy Fund – Nominated by Wendy Fletcher, Presented by Kirsten Bester and Euan Rattray
The fund was established by the Rattray family when Rosa passed away. They wanted to continue to support what she loved. The Fund supports members of our community who may not have access to the tools and resources that support children’s literacy. Needs are identified by the librarians and staff of the City of Guelph Libraries. Resources provided to date include:
- Early Learning stations
- Launch pads/tablets specifically designed for young children
- Born to Read packages provided to newborns at the Guelph Hospital
- Light table at Westminster Library
- Educational toys
Many of these resources can be borrowed. The program seeks to create equality of access and inclusivity. The goal is to ensure that all children can have what they need to learn, despite potential barriers. Donation funds would go towards improving the Born to Read packages, Discovery Walls and more light tables.
3) Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario –Nominated by Kayleigh Kennedy, Presented by Kayleigh Kennedy and Meaghan Moore
There are 16 houses in Canada. The focus for the presentation was Hamilton House. For Guelph residents, McMaster Children’s Hospital is the local option and many families require the support of RMHC. Last year the cost of the program for Guelph families was $300,000 (1392 nights and 6900 meals). Only 30% of the operating costs are covered by McDonald’s. There are 40 bedrooms in the location across from McMaster, as well as two family rooms located at the hospital. Families receive shelter, meals and support such as laundry services. There are 15 staff and 200 volunteers. Kayleigh shared her extremely scary journey with their 2-year-old son, Ethan, who spent 25 months in treatment at McMaster. The family was able to utilize the support of the organization for Ethan, herself and her family. Kayleigh shared that Ethan finished his treatments on Sept. 1st and rang the bell on Sept. 9th of this year!! Several members of the group shared that they also had relied on the organization. Donation funds would go towards funding Guelph families requiring the support and services.
Our Chosen Charity
Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario
https://www.rmhcsco.ca/site/home
If you haven’t sent in your $100 donation yet, please do so by Jan 23rd. Remember there are two ways to make your donation:
1) Online at our 100WWCG Fundraising Page (please add $4 for processing fee)
OR
2) Send a cheque to Liz Brant (made out to RMHC South Central Ontario) at 10 Wood Duck Court Guelph ON N1C 1B1. Please be sure to add “100 Women Who Care Guelph” to the memo line.
Thank you from Immigrant Services Guelph-Wellington (Our October Charity)
Sandra Cocco, ED of Immigrant Services Guelph-Wellington returned to share the impact of the donation they received in October as our chosen charity. Their original plan for the funds was to secure a farm house for temporary housing of asylum seekers requiring shelter. While this did not come to fruition, an even better opportunity presented itself! They were able to find two other dwellings. Sandra shared the impact to two families who were very grateful for the difference these resources made to their lives:
- A family of 8 was able to leave one room at a shelter and move into a 2-bedroom location with 5 beds. They moved in on December 23rd and have housing until March 31st. In addition, several other areas of support were provided including jobs for the parents, language assessment, food, the children registered in school and a Welcome Package.
- A couple expecting a child moved into a 2-bedroom basement apartment. The father is now working and arranging with the landlord to take over rent payments.
For Sandra’s full comments, please see here.
You can also read the Press Release here – Press Release.
Thank you for your continued generosity, involvement and passion!
The 100WWCG Team
Sharon, Tannis, Lisa, Peggy, Dianne, Melodie, and Denise