They have the women, actually they have 110 women, and so, they have the money. What they don’t have is someone (group or organization) to give it to.
The “100 Women Who Care About South Dundas” is a group which gathers 100 or more women committed to write a $100 cheque to a local charity or community group that directly benefits South Dundas. When five or more groups put forward a proposal, the women gather for a social hour after which they vote on which project to support.
100 Women Who Care About South Dundas organizers, Tracey Veinotte and Janeen Wagemans are surprised at the lack of response from groups in South Dundas who could benefit from a donation of $10,000. Last year 100 Women Who Care About South Dundas handed out $20,000 divided among three community groups that they selected by vote. The event was a huge success.
That’s why when 2016 rolled around Veinotte and Wagemans figured it would all fall into place fairly quickly and effortlessly. That was partly the case as the majority of the women who took part and donated $100 each last year quickly committed for 2016.
Now we are approaching the end of March, and since no group, organization or project has stepped up to benefit from 100 Women project, Veinotte and Wagemans have officially postponed the selection night which was to be May 12, at the Upper Canada Playhouse.
“We are postponing it until we get at least five applicants,” says Wagemans. “When we do, we will re-schedule the vote gathering for two months after that.”
Neither Veinotte nor Wagemans can fathom why there aren’t groups standing in line.
“Maybe there is a fear of rejection, or maybe some people think there are more deserving causes than theirs,” suggests Wagemans. Still others may think their project would not qualify.
“But,” says Wagemans, “that isn’t something people should decide. That is something the 100 Women will decide at the vote. 100 Women Who Love South Dundas are sure to make a wise choice!”
“If minor hockey needs two or three sets of sweaters and doesn’t have the money then who is to say they don’t fit, except the women themselves. Two or three minor hockey teams, on the ice with 100 Women Who Care on the backs of their sweaters might indeed be worthy of the women’s votes.”
Perhaps you are a parent of a child and are concerned that the children can’t use some of the public playground equipment that get dangerously hot from the summer sun. Well you could certainly approach the park committee to get a group together and see what could be done. Perhaps the purchase and planting of some large trees or some canopies would solve the problems.
Maybe you have travelled and seen something in other communities that you thought, ‘Hey! Wouldn’t it be great if we had that in South Dundas’.
“We couldn’t have too many benches along the river,” says Wagemans. “People always love to take in the view. Or what about the need for benches and tables in South Dundas parks. Some don’t have enough, others don’t have any.”
“If you are a person who has ever said, ‘I wish we had that, or we should do this in South Dundas’, then it could be a fit for the 100 Women to commit to,” says Veinotte.
Get a few community-minded people together around a table and throw out some ideas. It doesn’t take long to dream up some great projects…how about a beautification of our municipal building front lawn, or how about some shade canopy installs at the local beaches.
What about the churches? Surely some have needs in their church halls…appliances or redecorating. Or how about some upkeep/beautification projects in local cemeteries? Perhaps the formation of a South Dundas marching band or a community float either of which could participate in community events and parades or even travel to outside events to promote the community?
Does the soccer organization need nets and/or balls; does minor ball need equipment or ball park enhancements?
Could any of the various community entrances in South Dundas benefit from landscaping signage? How about the signs when you enter some communities that list the service clubs and amenities the community has to offer to visitors.
What about a spay and neuter clinic or parvo vaccination clinic, or perhaps a microchip clinic for our four-legged friends?
“We have to get people to think outside the box,” says Veinotte. “It doesn’t have to be an already formed, non-profit organization, although they are all welcome too…it just needs to be a community group willing to tackle something they have a passion for and that will benefit the South Dundas community.” They do need to be able to issue tax receipts, but many projects would fall under the wing of the municipality, which can issue tax receipts.
One thing is for sure, the 100 Women Who Care About South Dundas are looking to help/enhance the community they love and care about, even if it takes a bit longer than they had anticipated.
“We need to spread the word that people need to get their thinking caps on and let’s get this done,” says Veinotte. “It is just a matter of someone or some group to take an interest in something and run with it.”
Anyone who does have an idea and would like to discuss it please contact Janeen Wagemans and/or Tracey Veinotte either through the contact form on their website, www.womenwhocaresouthdundas.com, or by phone. You can reach Tracey at 1-613-363-9496, or Janeen at 1-613-803-5547.
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