A group of charitable women has stepped up in a big way for a local organization that helps women in need.
The Orillia chapter of Ripple of Kindness held its “giving social” Thursday at the Geneva Event Centre, where it was announced $27,000 had been raised for the Green Haven Shelter for Women.
The 135 members of Ripple of Kindness nominated local organizations to be recipients of the money they donated. Members then voted for their charity of choice. There was a two-way tie for both first and second places, so another vote was held and Green Haven was selected.
“I was aware that that was happening, so it became a bit of a nail biter,” said Liz Westcott, Green Haven’s executive director. “When I found out, it was overwhelming.”
It was good timing, too, as the new shelter is under construction and fundraising is in full swing. Green Haven will need community support to cover its operating costs. It also has to purchase new appliances and beds.
“This will go significantly far to replace all of these,” Westcott said.
Ripple of Kindness began a year ago. Its members contribute $200 twice per year and nominate a non-profit organization to be considered for a donation.
The fact the group consists entirely of women “goes with the theme of what an incredible journey this has been,” Westcott said of the new shelter, which has been designed by women.
“It just feels so appropriate.”
Risha Yorke thought so, too.
“I’m so excited about it. They’re in a transition period right now, so the funding is going to have a huge impact on their growth,” she said.
Yorke joined Ripple of Kindness shortly after the local chapter was formed.
“I’m always looking for a group with the same values as me,” she said. “They told me what the purpose of the group was and I thought, ‘This is perfect.’”
Amber McGarvey-Moreland, who founded the chapter with Raquel Ness, is hoping the concept resonates with other women the way it has with Yorke.
So far, so good.
“We never imagined that we’d outgrow locations and have a waiting list of sponsors,” she said.
At the start of Thursday’s event, there were 135 members. Many of them brought guests, so McGarvey-Moreland was hoping to sign up another 15 members. If the goal of 150 members is reached within the next 10 days, the donation to Green Haven will be $30,000.
While the vote was close, everyone was on board with supporting the shelter, she said.
“Women supporting women and their families really resonates with our members,” she said. “It’s unfortunate that a place like Green Haven has to grow and expand, but if you have to be at that shelter at any time and you look up at the donor wall and see that Ripple of Kindness is on that wall, you’re going to feel that much more supported.”
Members and non-members of the group have rallied around the cause.
For Thursday’s social, Jackie Koza sponsored the photography, Betty Trombly and Theo’s Eatery sponsored the food, Geneva Event Centre owner Donald Porter donated the venue, Gill Tillmann sponsored dessert, Christine and Tom Jarvis sponsored the beverages and Jessica Lethbridge provided some makeup treatment free of charge.
To find out more about Ripple of Kindness, including how to become a member, check out the group’s Facebook page.
