Two local organizations recently received a $5,000 financial boost to further the great work they are doing in the Elk Valley.

One Hundred Women Who Care Fernie (100WWCFernie) came together for their first 2022 Giving Event on May 4, collectively donating a total of $10,000 and through a member nomination and voting process, selected two local organizations to share the funds – Elk Valley Hospice and Twin Meadows Animal Rescue Society (TMARS).

“With this incredible donation Elk Valley Hospice will be able to make much needed purchases for the dedicated Hospice room in the Elk Valley Hospital where many patients and families have been able to receive compassionate, quality care,” said Elke Weber, President of Elk Valley Hospice.

Elk Valley Hospice is a group of dedicated, passionate, trained volunteers who provide comfort, care and support during life’s most difficult challenges.  It offers confidential, non-judgemental support, awareness and education surrounding hospice, bereavement and grieving.

100WWCFernie is a group of Elk Valley women committed to making an impact where they live. All member contributions are used to support local grassroots organizations that are not funded by typical granting bodies.

Since the 100WWCFernie inaugural event in December 2020, members of the organization have donated over $37,600 and financially supported nine local organizations.

“This donation will make a huge impact for the animals of the Elk Valley community. Funds will be allocated to our annual ‘Kitten Season’ to help vet the kittens/cats we will rescue this summer and adopt out. We will also use this donation for foster supplies as well.  We do not have a facility to house animals and rely on fosters opening their homes. TMARS provides all the supplies and vetting they will need during their foster stay,” said Noelle Le Maitre, co-director of TMARS.

Twin Meadows Animal Rescue Society is a non-profit animal rescue organization located in the East Kootenay. It rescues and re-homes local stray animals, animals from nearby reserves, owner surrenders, animals from high kill shelters and more.

Using a simple membership format, 100 women from across the Elk Valley donate $100 at each giving event. Each nominate a local organization to receive funding, six nominations are drawn, and the nominating member gives a two-minute pitch in support of their cause.

Members vote and two organizations receiving the most votes split the funds raised. The concept is simple, quick, and impactful.

Members of 100 Women Who Care Fernie meet twice a year to open their hearts and their cheque books. The next Giving Event takes place on Thursday, November 3.

To learn more, go to  www.100wwcfernie.ca or email [email protected].

Lead image: Left to right: Cindy Mylrea, Elke Weber, Elin Holvik of Elk Valley Hospice. Photos submitted

100WWCFernie

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