YWCA Launches $1M Fund for Women in Crisis
A family gift has established the Stand with Her Fund, which will address immediate needs for women escaping domestic abuse and poverty in Calgary.
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The YWCA Calgary has launched a new fund to support women fleeing domestic abuse and poverty, thanks to a $1 million gift from the Kathy and Richard Sendall family.
The Stand with Her Fund was unveiled at the organization's 115th annual general meeting on Tuesday. It's designed as a flexible impact fund that allows the YWCA to respond quickly to evolving community needs rather than following rigid program boundaries.
"This type of giving allows us to centre our work in listening and to respond quickly as our community's needs evolve," said YWCA CEO Talia Bell.
The funds will address gender-based abuse and domestic violence through collaboration with Calgary Police Service and organizations like FearIsNotLove. Money will support shelter beds, technology infrastructure, and prevention programs targeting root causes of abuse as Calgary's population grows toward 2 million.
The Sendalls said they wanted to place trust directly in the hands of the people doing the work. "We believe in YWCA Calgary's ability to meet women where they are and help them move toward safety, stability and create a foundation of prosperity," they said.
The YWCA serves nearly 10,600 people annually through services including parent and financial counselling, language education, housing, crisis shelters, and childcare.