RBC KEEP A ROOF OVER THEIR HEADS!
In 2009, the YWCA of Calgary had to turn away 778 women from its housing program due to a lack of funds and resources.
The challenge this year is to raise $1,000 to sleep homeless for one night, on April 30, 2010 in the YWCA gymnasium.
Register and start fundraising today to represent one of the 778 women the YWCA had to turn away in 2009.
Background:
In 2007 the YWCA of Calgary was
chosen as the RBC Charitable Community Partner and together decided to
host an event that addressed the issue of homelessness for women and
children.
Years ago homelessness was considered an issue affecting men only. Today we know homelessness is much more widespread and that it has a dramatic impact on women, single mothers of small children and teenage girls. Still women’s unique experiences get little attention even when communities and governments recognize homelessness is a national disaster. Why? Because most people’s view of homelessness is someone "sleeping rough on the streets”. For women and small children sleeping on the streets or in a drop-in facility would not be safe and she would risk losing her children. YWCA Crisis Transitional Housing Facility has 86 beds, offering safety and support to women in crisis. It is Calgary’s only downtown long term residence for women and their children.
Visit RBC Keep a Roof Over Their Heads for more details.
For more information: Joanna Domes, Special Events Officer, YWCA of Calgary 403.705.5784 or jdomes@ywcaofcalgary.com