The weather has been the biggest issue faced by 100 Women Who Care-South Simcoe, so far.
Based on the model of “100 Men who Give a Damn,” the group invites women to come together on a quarterly basis, to learn about three local charities. At each meeting, each woman donates $100 – which means that if 100 women come out, they will raise $10,000 in a single evening, money that can make a difference in the community.
Amy Simpson, Ashleigh Hrynyk and Rose Ficco are the women behind the new South Simcoe chapter of 100 Women Who Care.
Simpson sat in on a meeting of 100 Men etc., and was inspired.
“I said, we can do this!” she said.
“Originally we were just going to be Innisfil, but then we realized that there was still a hole, in Bradford – a gap,” said Simpson - so the group became 100 Women Who Care-South Simcoe.
Over 120 women signed up on Facebook, but on the date of the inaugural meeting – Feb. 27 – a major winter snowstorm kept all but a handful away.
Only 16 people, including the invited representatives of three charities, made it out to 400 Chrysler in Innisfil to enjoy refreshments, socialize, learn more about the charities and donate.
Laura Parsons of DeafBlind Ontario Services, Aaron Lutes of Gilda’s Club, and Myrlene Boken of Innisfil’s C 4 Kids year round (formerly Christmas For Kids) shared details of the goals and activities of their respective charities.
Most of the women who came out were from Innisfil and Barrie – professional and business women, and women interested in community engagement. And despite the poor weather and low attendance, the 100 Women Who Care meeting raised $2,000 in a single night.
“People want to help,” said Ficco.
“Everyone was very excited, and engaged,” agreed Hrynyk.
After considering the presentations, the women decided to give 80 percent of the funds raised to Innisfil’s C4Kids, with Gilda’s Club and DeafBlind Ontario Services each receiving 10 percent.
Plans are already in the works for the next meeting, sometime at the end of May or in early June - when weather will not be an issue.
“Hopefully, at our next one, we’ll double up the number who show up and donate – or more!” said Simpson. “These things take time.”
All three organizers are hoping that the 100 Women Who Care meetings will turn into “a ladies’ night out,” creating a social network as well as an opportunity to share interests, and build community.
Unlike so many other groups, it’s not about networking, noted Hrynyk. “It’s about the charities,” and making a difference in the community.
And caring.
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