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100 Women really do care in New Tecumseth

May 19, 2022   ·   0 Comments

On Thursday, May 12, 100 Women Who Care New Tecumseth hosted its second quarterly meeting of 2022 at the Gibson Centre for Arts & Culture in Alliston – this time from the Rotary Hall on the second floor.

The women who attended listened to compelling stories from three local charities and following the presentations, each member of 100 Women cast a vote for their favourite charity in need. They then wrote a cheque for $100 each – with one hundred per cent of all funds collected going to the charity.

This meeting’s winner was Child and Youth Advocacy Centre of Simcoe Muskoka – and with funds still trickling in at press time, the total amount donated in support of this Simcoe County organization is still to be determined.

Presenting this meeting was: Dawn MacDonald of Child and Youth Advocacy Centre; Marie McCallum from Victim Services of Simcoe County; and Laura Lee of Sweet Charity Service Dogs.

“Pre-COVID, we had close to 100 women in attendance, and the numbers are down,” said 100 Women Who Care New Tecumseth Steering Committee member Jade Coulson. “We want to remind people that you can join as a team – with up to four members, donating only $25 each – and we hope this brings more women out to the next meeting.”

She also reminds presenters, “Groups that did not get selected this round, can re-apply for the next meeting, and every group that meets our criteria: is a registered charity to provide a tax receipt, has a specific ask for the use of the funds, and is a grassroots local organization­ – is eligible.”

Coulson also told The Times the Committee is looking to make the meetings more of a social opportunity.

“We’re aiming to have door prizes, donated by local businesses, and live music before the presentations take place,” said Coulson.

100 Women Who Care New Tecmseth supports charitable organizations in New Tecumseth, Adjala–Tosorontio, and Essa. 

“Our meetings are short and to-the-point, with a low commitment of only four times a year, $400 a year. If you are unable to make every meeting, you can ask a friend to submit a ‘proxy vote’ on your behalf. At the meetings, three pre-selected charities make a brief presentation to tell us how they would use our donation of funds. At most meetings, we also hear from a previous charity on how our funds have been used,” said Coulson. “After the presentations, we vote individually for our charity of choice using a written ballot. The votes are tallied and the winning charity is announced. For each meeting, you are asked to bring $100 payable by cheque or e-transfer. Once we learn the name of the chosen charity, you fill in your cheque with that organization’s name. And that’s it! local women equal a local impact. Would you like to join us?”

Coulson is joined by three other Steering Committee members: Kelly Higgins, Caitlyn Robinson, and Tracey Bednarczyk, and she also reminds business owners that they can get involved too.

“If anyone would like to sponsor us corporately, its $100 for the year,” said Coulson. “Since one hundred per cent of the women’s donations go directly to the winning charities thee fees help offset our operational costs. Sponsors will be featured on our website and social media channels.”

The next meeting of 100 Women Who Care New Tecumseth will take place on September 22 at the Gibson Centre starting at 7 p.m., and lasting exactly one hour. For more information visit 100womennewtec.com

By Wendy Gabrek

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