livingtalk
presentations were heartwarming, touching and, at times, left me with
Who Care Alliance website, they invited people to become members,
tears in my eyes.”
which involves a pledge to donate $100 quarterly for one year. “One
Youth One was the charity chosen to receive the $7,500 collected at
advantage of becoming a member is that you can nominate a local
the event. “We felt very honoured to be chosen and this donation will
registered charity to be considered for support,” says Sandra. The pair
help us keep our programs going and help pay our four staff people,”
was surprised by the amount of interest they generated in just a few
says Bri Thomas, Youth Outreach Coordinator. “And it was awesome to
weeks and received 10 nominations for their first event.
have the opportunity to get the word out about our work.”
Prior to an event, three charities from those nominated are selected
Bri explains that Youth One is a
randomly. “Each charity is then allotted five
relatively
new grassroots organization that
minutes to present at the event,” says Sandra.
That simple idea
supports
youth
aged 14 through 18 in a safe,
“Given how busy people are, each event lasts
to bring large
structured environment. It has a facility in
only one hour and that includes registration,
North Lethbridge and, according to its website,
welcoming, presentations, and choosing
numbers of people
offers a range of programs including a free after
the charity,” says Sharon. “The evening also
school drop-in, resource centre, daily suppers,
includes refreshments and an opportunity to
together, with each
and youth leadership training. “100 Women
connect with old friends and meet new people.”
Who Care is a great organization,” says Bri.
Following the presentations, members vote on
contributing an
“And the idea of getting people to pool their
which charity will receive financial support.
affordable
resources to support local charities is a great
The charity with the most votes receives all the
one.”
donations collected that evening and provides
amount to make a
“Our event provided a great opportunity
tax receipts to the donors.
for
all three charities to increase awareness
Excitement built as the date for the first
significant positive
about what they do,” says Sandra. “So really
Lethbridge event approached. On November
impact has exploded. all the groups benefitted from the evening.”
3 at the Fritz Sick Centre, Sharon and Sandra
The chosen charity cannot receive additional
were ready to go. “It was amazing! We had 64
support for two years, while the other two charities are immediately
women come out, and another 11 drop off cheques prior to the event,”
back in the running for future support. “That way we can spread our
says Sandra. “We were thrilled with the turnout, given that most firstsupport around,” says Sharon.
time events average 30 to 40 women.”
Sandra and Sharon see several advantages when community is
“We had so much fun, and the outcome far exceeded our
involved, including donations staying in the community, people
expectations,” said Sharon. “I was so excited I couldn’t sleep that night.”
choosing where their gift goes, and immediately seeing the reaction
The highlight of the evening was presentations by Youth One, YWCA
from the chosen charity. “Having events quarterly also means donations
Harbour House, and Lethbridge Association for Community Living.
are spread out over the year,” says Sandra.
“Listening to the speakers was a real eye-opener,” says Sandra. “The
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