100 Women Who Care Norfolk has reached a milestone in community donations.
In May, the chapter celebrated its eighth anniversary. Meeting four times every year, they have raised more than $500,000 for 33 local charities.
“Each of our members donates $100 at each meeting,” said Kathy Caskenette, one of four co-founders of the Norfolk chapter.
Selection of charities is done through a voting process. Although they might get five to 10 nominations, only three presentations are made each meeting. Members vote for one charity they – as a chapter – want to financially support at that meeting.
“Anyone who wasn’t selected out of the hat, we say, ‘Do you want your charity to stand for the next meeting?’” said Caskenette, noting the next 100 Women Who Care meeting is in November.
“We also solicit for new charities to submit. We have a template that we ask people to complete and it basically answers all the questions we think our members need to vote. What is the charity? How are you specifically going to spend the money? Where do you get your funds currently? Will you issue tax receipts?”
Meetings have been virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic. The last in-person meeting was February 2020 at the Army, Navy and Air Force building in Simcoe.
“Starting in November 2020 we figured out how to do our meetings via email, which has worked out really well. It means even if you cannot attend the meeting, you can still review the presentations and vote.”
Caskenette said they hope to return to in-person meetings in November.
In August, 100 Women Who Care Norfolk selected Youth Unlimited/YFC Norfolk as its designated charity. The program received $16,500.
“This money will be used to improve our kitchen and washroom facilities,” Sarah Rutledge, Simcoe Youth Center director, said in a media release.
“Our washroom facilities are not currently wheelchair accessible. The labor will be provided by volunteers. We are so grateful for this financial infusion. It will make a huge improvement at our location (32 Union Street, Sicmoe)… we are thrilled.”
The Norfolk chapter learned that Youth Unlimited is committed to “helping youth develop holistically by offering programs and developing relations that nurture the whole person physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Programs are free and use community volunteers to help lead youth.”
“All of the money has to stay in Norfolk County,” said Caskenette. “It has to benefit Norfolk residents.”
100 Women Who Care donations fluctuate from time to time as membership fluctuates, she noted.
“We’ve been pretty steady at about 160 to 165 members for two or three years.”
Caskenette said she can see 100 Women Who Care Norfolk continuing for many years.
“Just because of the strength of our membership. And there’s no shortage of charities in Norfolk County and people that need help.”
Visit their website at www.100womenwhocarenorfolk.ca for information on becoming a member or submitting a charity application.