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Medicine Hat Women's Shelter Society board president Brent Secondiak spoke at the organization's AGM Wednesday, where it was announced the board has earmarked $150,000 towards matching donations Ð with the ultimate fundraising goal of $300,000 as the shelter enters into its 40th year.
The Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society revealed a $300,000 fundraising goal at its annual general meeting Wednesday.
Its board has earmarked $150,000 of its own funds, which it hopes will be matched by the community, says board president Brent Secondiak.
“No matter how big or small, every donation will become a gift that keeps on giving, as we direct it towards our Shelter Legacy Fund,” he said.
This endowment fund was launched in 2013 in conjunction with the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta. These funds are never spent, but gather interest, which is spent on MHWSS programming.
“When the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society formed 40 years ago, those experiencing family violence had few options,” said Natasha Carvalho, MHWSS executive director.
“It’s through hard work and the support of the community that we’ve been able to grow our programming and services to what they are today.”
She says the Shelter Legacy Fund helps with long-term planning, which will allow MHWSS to grow and adapt into the future.
The MHWSS annual fall fundraising letter campaign will arrive in mailboxes next month.
Those interested in contributing can fill out that form, donate online at mhwss.ca, or participate in one of the fundraising initiatives taking place throughout the year.
Over the past year, the MHWSS provided services to 955 adults and 362 children, and its 24-7 help line took 1,393 crisis calls amounting to 24,403 minutes.
