LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

Dear YWCA Toronto Community,

Happy 2025! As we begin the new year, we reflect on the milestones and challenges of the past year and remain inspired by the words of our Chief Executive Officer, Heather McGregor, as she shared with us her 2024 reflections and hopes for 2025.

During a troubling regression in our collective fight for civil rights – across Turtle Island – I am reminded of the importance of centering community, of supporting one another and of upholding our YWCA Toronto vision of a radical transformation of society wherein all can thrive, even in the face of adversity. Amidst this tumultuous time, riddled with polarization and despair, I find hope and solace in the outpourings of love I have witnessed – be it a social media post, a check-in in the hallway at work, or the coming together of minds to consider how we can contribute to and foster meaningful progress in spite of circumstance. 

As we begin the new year, we have leaned into the opportunity to advance positive change through the city budget process, as we work to ensure the needs of the 13,000+ women, girls, and gender diverse individuals who rely on our services are prioritized by city leaders. Together with our community partners, we continue to advocate for increased investments in services that foster a more equitable and thriving Toronto for all.

With a Provincial and Federal election looming, I am confident more opportunities will present themselves to bring community together and unite in our efforts to build a safer, more just and prosperous world. Until then, let us all hold steady, stay informed, and find ways to get involved in our community advocacy efforts. We know the power of collective action, of community, and together, we can channel our hope and humanity to advocate for equity and justice.  

I hope that amidst it all, 2025 brings you and your family moments of peace and joy. I am deeply grateful for your support, and for the work we do together, as a community, to create lasting positive change – thank you, you give me hope.

With care,

Sami Pritchard

Director of Advocacy and Communications

YWCA Toronto

British Columbia (BC) recognizes gender-based violence (GBV) as an epidemic

Last fall, YWCA Metro Vancouver and gender justice partners called on the BC government to declare GBV an epidemic and demanded action and commitment to address this crisis.

On January 16^th, GBV was recognized as an epidemic in BC Premier David Eby’s letters to cabinet.

At YWCA Toronto, we share our gratitude to the YWCA movement, advocates and survivors across Canada, working to address and eradicate GBV in all its forms, and we reaffirm our commitment to advancing efforts to see a city, province and country free of violence.

Join YWCA Toronto’s Board!

We are currently recruiting individuals to join our Board of Directors and Board Committees for 2025-2026. Candidates with a background in the social service sector, fundraising, governance, and/or are from Indigenous communities are strongly encourage to apply along with candidates who are 30 years old and younger.

Applications are due February 14, 2025 at NOON (EST).

Contact Ronak Ghorbani, Manager of the Executive Office and Administration to get an application form.