In this edition of "Your Redwood":

• A Million Dollar Milestone: Thank you, Catherine Booth and Michael Kirk!

• Good news for The Redwood’s Women in Trades Training and Employment Program!

• Thank You, Canada Summer Jobs Staff!

• Make a lasting impact in the lives of women and children with a gift in your will

We are thrilled to share an extraordinary milestone in the history of The Redwood. This year, Catherine Booth and Michael Kirk surpassed $1 million in total giving to our organization!

Since 2017, Catherine and Michael have been deeply dedicated friends and donors. Over their nine-year journey with us, their partnership has touched almost every corner of The Redwood.

They have offered a lifeline to women through iDetermine.ca, our digital helpline. Their commitment to the shelter’s youngest residents is demonstrated through their vital funding for our Child and Youth Team. They launched Redwood Bike Club, have sent children to overnight camp and supplied essential rent deposits to stabilize families leaving the shelter. Their visionary support also funded the transformative renovations of Redwood Park and our children’s playroom.

Catherine and Michael’s generosity is inspired by the memory of Catherine’s parents, Walter and Marilyn Booth, who believed strongly in giving back to those in need. 

In honour of their generosity, The Redwood is proud to announce the naming of The Catherine Booth and Michael Kirk Children’s Playroom.

We are profoundly grateful for Catherine and Michael’s enduring partnership that has changed -- and saved -- lives at every stage of the journey. 

Click here to listen to Catherine Booth and Michael Kirk tell the story of their relationship with The Redwood.

Good news for The Redwood’s Women in Trades Training and Employment Program! 

Women in Trades: HVAC Technician participant in training.

Good paying jobs in the skilled trades can help survivors of gender-based violence build safer lives for themselves and their children, through financial independence.

Now in its 6^th year, The Redwood’s Women in Trades: HVAC Technician program provides participants with a tuition-free pathway to a career as a Gas Fitter working in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) and related trades.

The Redwood is profoundly appreciative to have received a generous grant of $914,000 from the Province of Ontario’s Skills Development Fund. This new grant will directly fund training, mentorship, and specialized trauma-informed wraparound supports to ensure that survivors can successfully transition into high-demand roles within the skilled trades.

Click here to read more about the Women in Trades: HVAC Technician program

This summer, The Redwood was delighted to welcome 10 Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) staff to the emergency shelter!

CSJ staff helped children learn to ride a bicycle as part of Bike Club, prepare nutritious meals for residents of the shelter, and plan our Women in Trades and Technology Graduation. They even supported our admin staff in fundraising, communications, and finance!

We thank Employment and Social Development Canada for funding this important program. And we thank the summer staff for their contributions to The Redwood’s mission to assist women and children to live free from abuse, homelessness and poverty!  

The Canada Summer Jobs program helps The Redwood offer summer employment opportunities for young people.

A gift to The Redwood in your will is a powerful expression of your commitment to a better future for women and children fleeing domestic violence.

Your legacy will provide the essential resources and opportunities survivors need to courageously rebuild their lives, while directly supporting The Redwood's mission to end gender-based violence in our community. 

If you have any questions you can connect with Marie Colucci at 416-533-9372  ext. 249 or mcolucci@theredwood.com.

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