News
Countdown to Final Deadline for Women of Distinction Award Nominations
Friday, March 12, is the final deadline for 2010 Women of Distinction Award Nominations--and potential nominators are encouraged to consider nominating south Saskatchewan women who have contributed to their communities in significant ways.
Nomination packages are available in the YWCA office and from our website.
Nominations are accepted in 12 categories: The Arts; Community Leadership and Enhancement; Contribution to a Rural Community; Cultural Heritage; Education and Mentorship; Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Leadership and Management; Lifetime Achievement; Science, Technology and Environment; Circle of Friends; Wellness, Recreation and Healthy Living; and Young Woman of Promise.
For more information, phone Linda Sangster or Debra Bell at 525-2141, ext. 110, email wod@ywca.regina.sk.ca--or click here.
SaskTel Pioneers Support Isabel Johnson Shelter
SaskTel Pioneers, a network of current and former telecom employees along with their partners and families, recently provided a financial gift of $625 for the needs of the residents of Isabel Johnson Shelter.
“Isabel Johnson Shelter would not be able to carry on its important work without the support of the community,” Deanna Elias-Henry, Executive Director of YWCA said. “We very much appreciate the concrete way the Sasktel Pioneers have shown their interest in the needs of shelter clients.”
Isabel Johnson Shelter, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, provides a safe and supportive temporary living environment for women and their children fleeing partner abuse--offering counselling, advocacy, information, and referral.
SaskTel Pioneers are dedicated to making a contribution to a variety of community needs, to providing value to their partner organizations by contributing to their strategic priorities, and to creating rewarding fellowship opportunities for their members. There are 12 clubs across Saskatchewan.
For more information, visit www.sasktelpioneers.com.
Record-breaking Support from Leader-Post Christmas Cheer Fund!
In February, the Isabel Johnson Shelter received the exciting news that donations to the 2009 Leader-Post Christmas Cheer Fund exceeded the previous year--by a whopping $40,000!
In 2009, Leader-Post readers contributed a total of $178,000 to be divided among four Regina women’s shelters--SOFIA House, Transition House, WISH House, and the YWCA Isabel Johnson Shelter. Each shelter received a much-needed contribution of $44,500 from the 2009 campaign (as compared to $34,500 in 2008).
“We’re overwhelmed at the generosity of the Regina community,” YWCA Executive Director Deanna Elias-Henry commented. “And we are very grateful for the vision and leadership that the Leader-Post has demonstrated in making the Christmas Cheer Fund a success since 1992.”
"Through the shelters' twice-a-year reports to the Leader-Post,” Editor-in-Chief Janice Dockham said, “we know that they are using the money where it's needed most--from replacing beds to fixing furnaces."
In 2010, the newspaper will develop new community partnerships to expand the Christmas Cheer Fund into a year-round effort. While the campaign will continue to be concentrated around the Christmas season, volunteers in Cheer Fund t-shirts will be showing up at community events throughout the year.
Since its inception, the Christmas Cheer Fund has raised almost $1.6 million.
Date Set for 8th Annual Soul Sisters Benefit
The Eighth Annual Soul Sisters Dinner and Concert, presented by The Room, is scheduled for Thursday, June 3, 6 p.m.--and for the second year running will be held at Regina's Bushwakker Brewing Company.
In a change of format from previous years, this year’s benefit will headline two live bands with hour-long performances--rather than featuring a larger number of performers with shorter sets as in previous years.
Regina roots band Black Drink Crier, fronted by Cam Wensel, will kick off the entertainment part of the evening at 7 p.m., followed by country music duo Foxx Worthee, featuring the vocals of Crystal Smith and Nicole Ecarnot. Returning as emcee is Kelley Jo Burke of CBC Radio's SoundXchange.
The $30 ticket, available beginning March 16 at The Room salon and at YWCA Regina, includes a burger and a beer, plus an evening of some of Regina’s best live entertainment.
City Candidates Asked for Response to Critical Housing Needs
With Regina’s municipal election slated for October 28, YWCA Regina has asked candidates for mayor and city council to indicate what actions they will take to respond to the city's critical need for affordable housing.
The following question was forwarded to candidates:
“Regina is booming--but the downside is a severe shortage of affordable housing. With vacancy rates at .7% and annual rent increases averaging more than 11%,* those who are most vulnerable are being left out in the cold--including many women and children. If you are elected, what actions will you propose to City Council to respond to this critical need?”
For a complete list of candidates and their responses, click here.
* Statistics cited are from the CMHC Rental Market Survey, released in June 2009.
99 and Counting . . .
2010 will mark YWCA Regina's 100th year. We look great for our age, don't you think?
Have you been a part of YWCA's history in this community? We invite you to tell your stories, to honour others for their contributions, and to celebrate with us.
Send your comments to reginaywca@ywca.regina.sk.ca. We'll keep you informed of our plans to mark a century of Turning Points for Women in Regina.