February News & Updates

February | Issue 2.0

A Message from our CEO

Hi Kim,

It's hard to believe it's already February! On the one hand, it feels like time is flying, but when I look at all that YWCA Cambridge staff have achieved in the first month of 2023 alone, I think how can it only have been a month?

We are busy preparing for another year of summer camp at Shade's Mills, as well as planning what's going to be a fantastic Women of Distinction awards gala (reminder to mark your calendars for June 14, 2023, and nominate someone for an award!) Programming at The W is in full swing - we saw 19 women graduate from our Uplift re/upskilling program, this cohort working toward their project management certification. Staff are also busy with a slew of youth programming happening in centre and in schools across the region. There's so much more, but below are just some of the highlights.

End of Year Giving Campaign Success

The End of Year giving campaign was a success!

Reaching 2,434 people via email, snail mail and socials with our message about youth's need for gender-based violence prevention programming. Our donors raised over $11,600.00 and exceeded our goal of $10,000.00 to support programming by YWCA Cambridge.

Nominate a Woman of Distinction

This year, we are taking a more holistic and inclusive approach that will ensure nominees are recognized for their own unique strengths, achievements and contributions while centering our organization’s core values of equity, self-determination, inclusion, community and leadership.

The 2023 Women of Distinction Awards will have one pool of nominees, rather than specific award categories, as well as three special award categories: Young Trailblazer, Lifetime Achievement and the President’s Award.

Deadline for nominations is March 17, 2023.

Nominate A Woman of Distinction

Youth Program Update

New Program - Youth Project Space

This free registered drop-in is open to youth of all genders aged 13-18. This program is all about connecting with each other and the community. The program is youth-led, meaning that those involved in the program will help to guide activities, art and DIY projects or outings within the community!

This program is offered in partnership with Sanguen Health Centre. For more information please contact Bree at bree@sanguen.com or Shannon at s.thoms@ywcacambridge.ca

Congratulations, Uplift graduates!

Uplift graduates stand with YWCA staff for a photo following the graduation ceremony at The W

A big congratulations to the 19 Project Management graduates of our Uplift Program!

Last week, we hosted a hybrid graduation with a small group attending our in-person event and others joining the celebration online.

Thanks to Uplift participants for putting their trust in us and this program! We celebrate each of them and all of their accomplishments.

Uplift is an upskilling employment program delivered by YWCAs across Ontario, coordinated by YWCA Hamilton and funded by FedDev Ontario.

Child Care Update

We're partnering with Domino's Pizza for a child care fundraiser!

On February 16, buy a large, 3-topping pizza for $15 from any Cambridge or Paris Domino's location and Domino's will donate $5 from each pizza to YWCA Cambridge child care centres!

Upcoming Event

Join Lynn Spence at WIGG

Exciting news: Lynn Spence will be back at WIGG on February 25! Join her any time between 10:00a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and let her help you find the perfect looks just for you.

Shop WIGG

Recent Blogs

YWCA Ontario is a provincial coalition of YWCA Member Associations that serves more than 40,000 people each year across Ontario.

Together, we've developed and delivered a pre-budget submission to Minister of Finance, Peter Bethlenfalvy, one that calls for a gender-responsive and equitable budget 2023.

Read our full submission for details.

Last fall saw the triumphant return of YWCA's STEM Mini-Con!

We are grateful to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada and Vidyard for seeing the importance of organizations and events like ours, as well as the value of providing youth with connections to local businesses.

Most importantly, we’re grateful to companies like them who value celebrating women leading the way in STEM-based careers.

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