100 women who care helping the hardest to reach people

NEWS RELEASE

100 WOMEN SSM

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100 Women Who Care Sault Ste. Marie (100 Women SSM) was launched in May 2016, to raise funds for small, local registered charities and not-for-profits (NFPs), where the funds stay within the community. 

In Sault Ste. Marie, there are many “micro” charities and NFPs driven primarily by volunteers, with limited resources. Many of these small, lesser-known groups provide services to help the hardest to reach people. 

At their inaugural meeting on May 27, 2016, 100 Women SSM raised $11,600 for Algoma Autism Foundation, surpassing the goal of $10,000.     

Thanks to these donations, the Algoma Autism Foundation, a registered NFP, has purchased new RF beacon safety bracelets, which are potentially lifesaving devices for individuals who wander, and upgraded their Sensory Lending Library. 

The founders of 100 Women SSM, Sandra Hollingsworth, Marnie Stone, Cathy Shunock, Pat (Murielle) McGrath, Rosetta Sicoli and Tracey Fyfe, are “extremely pleased with the first event and overwhelmed with the positive response that so many caring women in Sault Ste. Marie have shown,” said Hollingsworth

The group aims to gather 100 women in the community, who meet for about one hour and pledge $100 per person, four times per year. Women can also form teams, with each team collectively donating $100. The group already has over 115 members.

Members of 100 Women SSM have the opportunity to direct financial support to these small groups and causes in the community. Some groups which fit the criteria for support include Therapeutic Ride Algoma, Pauline’s Place, and Breaking Away.   

The Sault Ste. Marie Soup Kitchen Community Centre was selected by members to receive support on Oct. 4.  Throughout all the challenges the community has experienced, the Soup Kitchen has responded with much-needed programs and services. Offering services right in the heart of the at-risk area, the Soup Kitchen is focused on providing a hand-up, not a handout.

The next event is Tuesday, Oct. 4, Sault Ste. Marie Soup Kitchen Community Centre, 172 James St, at 5:30 p.m. Non-members are welcome to participate. Those interested can register at [email protected]

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