Meeting Kick Off and Updates
Our last meeting of 2024 began with a heartfelt thank you to our fabulous sponsors, Delta Hotels and Sandra Lastovic from Skip the Bank.
Ten years ago, when 100WWCG began, the fundraising goal was set at $500,000. This milestone was surpassed at our June meeting with a total reaching $509,667! We now have a new target of $1,000,000! (The thermometer on the website has been updated accordingly).
There were six new members attending, which brings our membership total to 184. We had two recipients of the 3-year pins. Starting in 2025, the 10-year pins make their debut! The first pins will be given out at the January meeting.
The Three Nominated Charities
Here is a quick overview of the charities that were nominated for the meeting and the presentations:
1) Royal City Mission
Nominated by Sherri McIntyre & Presentation by Kevin Coghill, ED
Kevin began by sharing that the Royal City Mission had recently served its 50,000th meal. He highlighted that the biggest need faced, however, is creating a feeling of belonging and welcome for people, which the Mission strives to provide. In addition to meals, other services include storage facilities to provide safe, dry places to keep belongings, group memorials to remember those who have passed, and outreach programs to offer support. There are many volunteers (400 in total, with a core of 70) and paid staff who deal with more complex needs like overdose.
At one point the Mission was open 7 days a week for 12 hours per day. It is currently open 5 days a week for 5 hours per day. While funding is received, it fluctuates. Funds from 100WWCG would be used to increase the number of days and hours the Mission is open.
2) North End Harvest Market
Nominated by Peggy Brightwell & Presentation by Barb McPhee, Market Manager
The North End Harvest Market was started 10 years ago to serve the North End of the city. They provide fresh produce to low income individuals and families. Every week they serve 284 people on a rotating schedule of 2 weeks (there is a Blue group and a Yellow group).Throughout the pandemic, they expanded their reach to serve other parts of the city. Recently North End Harvest Market has worked with other organizations to transition away from these areas and refocus their efforts on the North End.
A series of events have placed the group in a challenging position – fundraising suffered tremendously while Barb was hospitalized for a time, the group was forced to move from Waverly School to Trinity United Church, and demand continues to grow. Government funding has helped in the past, but the group is short on funds now. Money received from 100WWCG would be used to cover food purchases for the remainder of the year. Product is sourced through Seed Warehouse at a reduced cost and nothing is wasted.
3. Immigrant Services Guelph-Wellington
Nominated & Presentation by Sandra Cocco, CEO
Immigrant Services Guelph-Wellington is the only group that serves newcomers in our area. Started in 1978, they currently serve 4800 clients. While the mandate of Immigrant Services Guelph-Wellington is to serve as a bridge to connect this community with services, they increasingly need to find short term shelter for people, especially asylum seekers.
Asylum seekers face a unique challenge when coming to Canada. They cannot work initially which limits their access to government programs and makes it exceedingly difficult to secure housing upon arrival. Currently 61% of asylum seekers are in a shelter. Many of the shelters are at capacity and families in particular find it difficult to find a place to live. Immigrant Services Guelph-Wellington has an emergency fund that is used to house people for a short time in hotels. This fund has been significantly depleted based on increasing demand. A local non-profit has offered a house on its property for rent. The funds from 100WWCG would go towards securing this facility for the winter months.
Our Chosen Charity
Our chosen charity was Immigrant Services Guelph-Wellington!
If you haven’t sent in your $100 donation yet, please do so by October 30th. 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 Immigrant Services Guelph-Wellington) at 10 Wood Duck Court Guelph ON N1C 1B1
Thank you from Hope House Guelph
(our June charity)
Hope House Guelph was the chosen charity from our June meeting. Jaya James, Executive Director of Hope House Guelph, joined us to provide an update on how the funds were used. You can read her full presentation on our website at this Link.
Here are some highlights:
- Eggs and milk were provided to 3042 individuals
- 150 eggs and 360 litres of milk were provided over 13 weeks
- Hope House measured the impact of the program to those they served:
- 98% accessed healthy food
- 89% said that their eating habits had improved
- 79% reported improved mental health
Jaya reminded us that there are two important aspects to non-profit work: front line support AND working to change the system to move beyond crisis mode.
Thank you for your continued generosity, involvement and passion!
The 100WWCG Team
Sharon, Tannis, Lisa, Peggy, Dianne and Denise