A group of women who have spent much of the past year raising money for an affordable housing and community service project celebrated their achievements with a party last weekend.
Since last May, 50 Women for SCCSS (Sunshine Coast Community Services) has raised $822,180 toward closing the Building Together funding gap. The project is to bring 35 units of affordable housing project for women and children experiencing violence or vulnerable to experiencing violence and community hub.
The mothers, daughters, sisters, volunteers, community leaders and advocates of the campaign held more than 37 fundraising events, public information sessions and outreach events to spread awareness of the Building Together project, shared an SCCSS press release.
Their efforts brought in more than 800 donations from individuals, businesses and organizations, including $200,000 from the RBC Foundation and a $150,000 private donation.
The SCCSS numbered Pups and Pints at Batch 44, 50 Artists for SCCSS at High Beam Dreams, Mulligan Madness at Blue Ocean Golf Club and the Day of the Dead Celebration at Sunnycrest Mall among the highlights of the fundraising event efforts. But efforts were as varied as yoga, book clubs, art sales, yacht dinners, live music nights and more.
A $2.8 million capital fundraising gap remains for the $34 million project, which broke ground late last year and people can still donate to the 50 Women campaign at 50women.ca.
At the wrap party at Ocean Club Café last weekend, executive director Catherine Leach, 50 Women Co-chair Sue Anne Linde and several other women shared their experiences of the campaign.
Linde applauded the awareness they brought through the campaign engagement. “More than anything, we came together with passion, commitment, and dedication to a project we all hold close to our hearts,” Linde told the crowd. “We built on the legacy of hundreds of women who came before us, who created the programs and services that became Sunshine Coast Community Services. We showed our communities what a few motivated women can achieve.
“We can be proud of our efforts and take pride in knowing we’ve played a valuable role in creating a legacy for Community Services’ future efforts to support women and their families as they climb out of poverty, homelessness, and hopelessness.”
Linde also acknowledge honourary co-chair and longtime advocate for seniors, Sue Jackel, who died during the campaign. “Her dedication and leadership were deeply valued, and her legacy remains a meaningful part of this effort,” shared SCCSS.
There’s further information about the Building Together project and how to contribute at buildingtogether-sccss.ca.
