Since 2015 the philanthropy group 100+ Women Who Care – Red Deer has raised more than $625,000 for Central Alberta charities.
“As we get closer to wrapping up our tenth year, we’ve been reflecting on how we started this initiative with no clear idea of how impactful it might be. We just knew that the ‘100 Who Care’ concept was so simple, effective, and efficient,” said co-founder Susan Knopp, in a statement.
“We have donated anywhere from $10,000 to $24,000 in one meeting. It’s exciting and gratifying!”
The group has supported more than 35 Central Alberta charities through the years.
Four one-hour meetings are held annually where members can nominate a charity of their choice. Three nominations are randomly drawn, and the nominating member gives a five-minute presentation, followed by a brief question and answer period.
After the pitches, members vote on the charity they would like to support, and the nomination with the most votes is the recipient of the donations. Individuals, or teams of members, each donate $100 per meeting, which results in donations of more than $10,0000 raised in just one hour.
Co-founder Cindy Jefferies said one of the best parts of each meeting is learning about all the amazing work taking place in the community.
"We’ve donated to well-known organizations, like the Red Deer Hospice, and to lesser-known ones, like the Central Alberta Brain Injury Society," Jefferies said.
Donations from the April meeting went to John Howard Society’s Community Closet Program.
"For CABIS or the Community Closet initiative, the donations can fund the program for a year or two and save the organization months and months of smaller fundraisers. The total donation provides a needed boost to every recipient."
She said 100+ Women Who Care – Red Deer welcomes new members and encourages those who want to learn more to attend a meeting to see if it’s a fit.
“We often hear from our members how much they appreciate the commitment to the one-hour format and the modest amount of time it takes to be involved in community philanthropy. There is also time for socializing before and after the meeting."
One hundred per cent of the money raised is given to the charity, with overhead covered by sponsors. Red Deer Community Foundation manages collecting and dispersing the donations.
The next meeting of 100+ Women Who Care – Red Deer will be held Sept. 23, from 7 to 8 p.m., at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club. Doors open at 6 p.m. for registration.
For more information visit www.100womenreddeer.ca.
