Marking a terrific means of raising funds for local organizations in a quick and convenient way, 100 Women Stettler’s next meeting is slated for Oct. 8th at the Stettler Legion.
Doors open at 7 p.m. with the meeting running from 8 to 9 p.m.
“The goal is to have 100 women attend, then that is multiplied by $100 which makes for $10,000. In just an hour, that’s how much can be raised, so that is the goal,” said Christy Brennan, who manages the group along with Brenda Esquirol and Kendra Duff. “At our first meeting, we had 148 women. The excitement was huge. And to date, we’ve raised $36,900,” she said.
“It’s pretty informal, too. And this time, we are switching things up. Normally, we take nominations (for local charities) ahead of time and then the top three nominated charities are invited to come and speak.
“This time, we are actually going to take nominations at the meeting, and then draw out of a hat. If someone from those organizations is present and wants to speak for their charity they can. Or, we will ask members at large of the group to speak from the heart about why they are passionate about that (particular) charity,” she explained.
The group, which was originally launched in 2018, meets twice a year - in the spring and fall.
As a release points out, “100 Women Stettler is a network of intelligent, engaged and caring women that will have an immediate, direct and positive impact on our community.
“Our goal is to support the wonderful non-profit and charitable organizations in Stettler and area that work every day to make our community a better place to live.”
All of the funds raised during the evening, which also includes a time to socialize, go directly to the selected charity as well.
“There are no administration fees and any costs of the organization are covered through the generosity of sponsors.”
As Brennan mentioned, the simplicity of how the group works is one of its most compelling features.
“So many people do not have the time to commit to boards, or to volunteer hours - so this offers an opportunity for those people that are busy to just attend and donate $100. In the end, all the charities win! They will all eventually get a turn,” she added.
Esquirol agreed.
“It doesn’t require a huge time commitment and yet you can make such an impact in a quick way.”
She also noted that the intention is not to attract donations away from other groups in town, but to simply ‘add to’ whatever is already being raised and donated across the community.
“It’s great to send a proxy, but it’s even better if you are present. You learn about the different organizations that you maybe haven’t known about.”
Plus, it’s a chance to network with others as well, pointed out Brennan.
“You have that moment to step away from the rest of your life and visit,” she added with a laugh.
Local charities that have benefited so far from 100 Women Stettler include the Stettler & District Handibus Society, the Stettler Hospice Society and the Stettler & District Crisis Aid Program.
For more information, find them on Facebook at ‘100WomenStettler’ or check out www.100womenstettler.ca.
You can also contact them by emailing 100womenstettler@gmail.com.