"Excellence doesn’t happen accidentally. It’s true; we can’t
choose what happens to us in life. However, as an individual or
a country, we can always choose the attitude we will have to
face life’s challenges."
~ Chantal Petitclerc, Canadian Senator and Wheelchair Athlete
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LEADERSHIP MESSAGE
Dear YWCA Toronto Community,
The turning of a new year is a time of reflection and pause. It also offers an opportunity to dream of a better future. I am still inspired by the words of our Chief Executive Officer, Heather McGregor, as she reflects on our 2022 achievements. Heather’s Order of Canada was also recently announced – we are so proud of her extraordinary commitment to improving the lives of women, girls and gender diverse people in Canada.
A busy season is upon us. We are currently in the thick of the municipal budget process and advocating for greater investments in community services. The provincial budget process is quickly approaching as well – make sure to catch our submission in February. We are also excited by the advent of Black History Month, International Women’s Day, and of course, this year’s Women of Distinction (WOD) Award Gala. We can't wait to share this year’s phenomenal slate of WOD recipients with you!
I hope 2023 is a kind year for you and your families. Our community members are facing many challenges but we are very grateful for your continued support and generosity.
Warmly,
Jas
Director of Advocacy and Communications
YWCA Toronto
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Photo | William Iven_Unsplash |
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Budget Season
As we welcome a new year, we also welcome a new City of Toronto budget. The budget was launched on January 10th. Since then we have poured over budget documents, analyzing each page and figure, and met with our partners to share information.
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Enhance Your Employment Skills This Year
Kickstart the new year with new training opportunities! Consider our sixteen-week Administrative Clerk Certificate Program designed to help community members develop essential business, math and communications skills or take our seven-week Computer Training for Employment Program aimed at acquiring computer, keyboard and file-management skills, and so much more. Both training sessions are offered online and begin on February 27, 2023.
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Early Bird Tickets Available Now
Join us for the 42nd YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction Awards Gala to honour the achievements of seven remarkable women and raise vital funds for over 13,000 women, girls and gender diverse people in the GTA.
For information contact:
Jacqueline Willis, Event & Stewardship Officer
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Photo | Courtesy of Gardiner Museum |
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We are at the Gardiner Museum!
On February 1st you're invited to a one-night-only arts and advocacy event! YWCA Toronto joins the Gardiner Museum, Daily Bread Food Bank and Toronto Foundation for an evening of community action and engagement inspired by the exhibition Karine Giboulo: Housewarming.
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Photo | Courtesy of Canva |
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Workforce Shortages Threaten Delays in Affordable Child Care
2022 was a historic year for child care in Ontario with the announcement of the Canada-Wide Early Learning & Child Care (CWELCC) agreement which aims to bring the cost of child care down to $10 a day by 2026. While this progress is exciting, offering high-quality and affordable child care is simply not possible without a child care workforce. Read more in an article by Jamison Steeve, Chief Strategy Officer at YMCA of Greater Toronto.
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Heather McGregor Awarded with the Order of Canada
Heather McGregor, Chief Executive Officer, was awarded with the Order of Canada in December 2022. This honour is one of our country’s highest and is presented by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada. Heather was recognized for her extraordinary commitment to improving the lives of women, girls and gender diverse people in Canada.
Her commitment to feminism, social justice and systemic advocacy leads us as we help thousands of community members flee violence, secure housing, find jobs, and establish their voices.
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Celebrate Girls in STEM with YWCA Canada
On February 11th, International Day of Women and Girls in STEM, YWCA Canada is hosting an all-day FREE online event called YWCA Techgyrls Build More for girls and gender diverse youth ages 9-13. This event will feature speakers of all ages who are passionate about STEM, hands on building events, games, prizes and more! Join in on the fun, and register before January 30th to receive a ‘Build More’ kit in the mail (while supplies last).
Photo | Courtesy of YWCA Canada
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LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
YWCA Toronto operates on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and Petun First Nations, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We are grateful to work on this territory as we strive to build a more equitable and just city for women, girls, and gender diverse people. For a full land acknowledgment, please visit our website.
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