Fundraising efforts over the past year have helped balance the books at the Women’s Resource Centre.
That announcement came from WRC director Colleen Arnold at the annual general meeting held Thursday, June 4 at the Flin Flon Public Library.
Arnold went over the financial status of the WRC, noting that fundraising and donations of close to $30,000 were added during the year. She highlighted successful programs including an annual performance of The Vagina Monologues, the International Women’s Day luncheon and the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes campaign.
Men will embrace the four-inch heels once again on Friday, July 3 as they strut down Main Street, raising both funds and awareness to end violence against women.
WRC president Sheena Reed commended not only the staff of the WRC for another successful year, but the community as well.
“We are so grateful for the community’s support,” she told the crowd of about a dozen. “We are so grateful for the support in our endeavour to keep women and children safe.”
Reed said community members’ continued participation in events helps bring awareness to the all-too real issue of violence against women.
With the upcoming Walk a Mile campaign, Reed said she hopes the men in the community continue to show their support.
“We hope the men and boys in the community continue to work with us as allies to end violence against women and girls,” Reed said.
New board
Sheri Pearson and Cindy Majewski have joined the board of the Women’s Resource Centre. Majewski will hold a three-year position. Pearson has signed on for a two-year term.
Reed will remain president of the WRC executive. Vice-president is Linda Eryou. Katie Kawerski as secretary and Gail Griffiths as treasurer round out the executive.
The board has a one-year position vacant. Reed encouraged anyone who is interested in joining the board to contact her or Arnold at the WRC.
Board member candidates must be female, over the age of 18 and must be a member of the WRC, though Reed says interested candidates can join the WRC at the same time they join the board.
Balanced books
According to the audited statement, the WRC brought in just over $92,000 in revenue this year and posted an operating cost of $104,824. Fundraising dollars of about $11,700 were transferred to bridged the gap.
The WRC brought in $19,577 through fundraising efforts this year, compared to $17,350 the year before. The group also received $3,473 in donations. Other revenues including membership dues and other services brought the total funds raised to $28,381.
Fundraising dollars in the amount of $5,785 were transferred to emergency interim housing.
Successful programs
Through the interim housing program, the WRC was able to help nine women and four children for a total of 434 nights. The program offers temporary housing for women who have left an abusive relationship and their children.
Arnold reported the WRC organized 35 events in the last year. The largest crowd, about 550, attended the Candlelight Vigil on Dec. 6 on both Main Street and at the Flin Flon Bomber game.
The WRC offered discussion, empathic listening and support to 186 clients last year. An additional 52 adult clients and 19 used the WRC’s counselling services.
The WRC’s Lunch and Learn program made more than 900 lunches this year. The program provides a meal and activities throughout the school year. The program was accessed by 21 boys and 13 girls.
The event included a hoop dancing performance by dancers from the Flin Flon Aboriginal Friendship Centre.
