The inaugural meeting of the Saanich Peninsula chapter of 100 Women Who Care was held May 6 at Glen Meadows Golf Club in North Saanich, with the hopes of raising $10,000 in one hour for a local charity.
Part of an international organization, 100 Women Who Care asks each of its members to commit to a one-hour meeting and a $100 donation four times a year to support local charities.
Saanich Peninsula chapter co-founder Debra Bartlett had attended a meeting of the Victoria group, and was amazed at the results.
“I thought, this is really neat because it’s one hour,” she says. “It’s the most efficient thing I’ve ever seen.”
Often busy with work, motherhood and other volunteer obligations, many women simply don’t have time to commit to all the causes they’d like to, says Bartlett. The group offers them a chance to be a part of something that can really make a difference in their local communities.
As of late last week, the group had nearly 70 members already signed up, but there’s always room for more, says Bartlett.
Registration will be available at the door, and the only requirements are a willingness to commit to a one-hour meeting every three months — and to donate $400 a year, or roughly $35 a month.
“It’s not asking a huge amount from people,” says fellow co-founder Shelley Mann. “People already have causes they give to, to the United Way or to cancer research.”
The initiative is something a little extra to support local organizations. It’s a modest financial commitment individually, but when combined with 99 other women, makes a substantial impression on the chosen charity.
“For some of the littler ones that have a smaller operating budget, it can be incredible,” says Mann.
The most amazing thing, she adds, is that not one cent passes through the hands of the organization. Members write their cheques directly to the charity that is chosen and tax receipts are issued directly back.
“We’re just the facilitators,” says Mann.
“It’s so simple, and so powerful,” adds Bartlett.
For more information, visit 100womensaanichpeninsula.com.