We may be halfway through December, but here at the Women's Centre, the holiday rush is just beginning.

 

Since launching on Monday, the Holiday Gift Program has seen over 349 women and 766 children. The program is a volunteer-run, donor-supported project that brings hundreds of women to the Women's Centre every year. Compared to last year, we have seen a 47% increase in the number of women and children in need for Christmas gifts in just the first three days. It is a heartbreaking increase in the number of women who need to ask for help during the holidays and another sign of the growing challenges of poverty in our city.  

 

Many of these women make the most of their trip by also accessing the Basic Needs program for personal care items, emergency food hampers and referrals for winter clothing. The numbers are jumping up across the board.

 

Thanks to the new space, this December women can attend more weekly food days, legal clinics, workshops and other opportunities to build community connections. There is room to moms to sit and children to play.

 

We are also working hard to address the systemic issues that face women in Calgary and across the country. The Social Issues Committee volunteers are tackling issues of affordable transit, accessible childcare, and representation in the next federal election.

 

Every program is supported by donors like you.

• $25 provides 20 women with hot beverages, fresh fruit and snacks when they visit the Centre
• $50 gives 25 women sanitary pads for a month
• $100 supports 5 women learning new skills and connect with other women in workshops such as yoga, self-defense, computer skills, activism, or healthy eating
• $350 sends one girl to Girl Power Camp with bus tickets, lunches and supplies for an entire week

Please donate today to make a significant different in the lives of thousands of women in your community.

Thank you for your generosity.

If you have any questions, please contact Sarelle at 403-264-1155 or [email protected].