At its final meeting of 2023, 100 Women Peterborough has chosen Vinnies Peterborough to receive a donation of up to $10,000 that will support the organization’s efforts to address food insecurity.
The collective philanthropy group met last Tuesday (December 12) at The Venue in downtown Peterborough.
At each of its quarterly meetings, 100 Women Peterborough hears presentations from three organizations randomly drawn from a larger list of organizations nominated by the group’s members. The organization receiving the most votes from members receives the collective donations.
The three organizations that presented to 100 Women Peterborough at December’s meeting were Vinnies Peterborough, Abbeyfield House Society of Lakefield, and the New Canadians Centre, with Vinnies chosen by majority vote to receive member donations.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to support Vinnies Peterborough and contribute to their efforts in providing assistance to those in our community who need it most,” says Alyssa Stewart, a founding member of 100 Women Peterborough, in a media release. “Especially during the holidays, we know that the power of collective giving makes a tangible difference in the lives of those facing challenges.”
Operated by lay Catholic organization the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Vinnies operates three thrift store locations helping families in need as well as a food bank at 256 Murray Street that helps thousands of people each month.
During their presentation to 100 Women Peterborough, Vinnies noted the increased need throughout the region due to rising food insecurity. The group’s donation to Vinnies will ensure that families and individuals experiencing hardship receive access to the food bank during a time period when the need is significant.
“We are so honoured to have been chosen by this wonderful group of 100 women to receive their donation,” says Sue Armitage of Vinnies. “The timing couldn’t have been any better with the holidays upon us. You all have helped us put the merry back in Christmas for so many less fortunate in this community. With our deepest gratitude not only from us, but from the people you have helped.”
Since its formation in 2018, 100 Women Peterborough has collectively donated nearly $180,000 to 22 local organizations: Vinnies Peterborough, Hospice Peterborough, Peterborough Youth Unlimited, One Roof Warming Room, New Canadians Centre, Cameron House, Five Counties Children’s Centre, Casa De Angelae, Lakefield Animal Welfare Society, Community Care Peterborough, Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, Community Counselling and Resource Centre, Peterborough Pregnancy Support Services, Heads Up for Inclusion, Kawartha Youth Orchestra, Peterborough GreenUP, Bridges Peterborough, YMCA Strong Communities, Homeward Bound Peterborough, Good Neighbours Care Centre and Food Bank, PARN – Your Community AIDS Resource Network, and Camp Kawartha.
With membership hovering around 80 members over the past few years, 100 Women Peterborough is planning to revamp the group and its structure in 2024 with a goal of regaining some of the membership lost during the pandemic. To that end, the group is planning a relaunch event in April next year.
The collective philanthropy movement began in the United States in November 2006, when Karen Dunigan of Michigan formed the “100 Women Who Care” group. After their first meeting, the women raised over $10,000 for the purchase of 300 new baby cribs for a local organization. The movement has grown over the past 17 years to include groups of men, women, youth, and children around the world, with hundreds of chapters in Canada alone.
For more information 100 Women Peterborough, visit www.100womenptbo.ca.
