A growing group of women is demonstrating that Fort Macleod cares.
Each woman is donating $100 four times a year, with the money pooled and donated to a worthy cause in Fort Macleod and the MD of Willow Creek.
So far, 33 women have joined the group 100 Women Who Care, established by Mackenzie Hengerer and Cassie Ducharme.
“You can make such a big impact with a non-profit organization or charity if you can find people who care,” Hengerer said.
Duchrme, who has a family member who belongs to 100 Women Who Care in Westlock, saw the need for such a group in Fort Macleod and district.
A board of directors was formed consisting of Cassie Ducharme, Mackenzie Hengerer, Laura Yunick, Amanda Wark, and Richelle Paiha.
They formed a registered society and started spreading the word among friends and family, with a positive response.
“Everyone thinks it’s a really good concept,” Hengerer said.
The idea behind 100 Women Who Care is to offer people an easy way to make a big difference in their community.
People may not be in position to volunteer with an organization and attend meetings or functions, but they still want to help.
“People value their time,” Hengerer said. “But they still want to have an impact. We wanted to offer that.”
Non-profit and charitable organizations are invited to apply for funding.
Every three months the women contribute $100 apiece and then vote for the organization they decide is most deserving of funding.
Donations made through 100 Women Who Care are eligible for a tax receipt.
The Fort Macleod chapter is one of more than 350 that have emerged world-wide from a grassroots movement that started in 2006.
The women who have signed up so far come from Fort Macleod and other communities.
Groups are asked to submit three-minute videos explaining how they would use the money.
The money can be used for a specific project, or for ongoing operations.
To be eligible for funding, organizations must:
• Be a registered Canadian charitable organization or a registered non-profit within the Town of Fort Macleod or MD of Willow Creek.
• The project must benefit the Fort Macleod area or surrounding communities.
• If it is not a registered charity or non-profit, the organization must have a sponsoring group that is a registered charity and willing to accept funds on its behalf.
Businesses are welcome to sign up on behalf of their employees.
To sign up visit www.100womenfortmacleod.com or e-mail 100womenfortmacleod@gmail.com.
100 Women Who Care will makes its first donation on Sept. 5.
