A local women’s philanthropic group has done it again.
Georgian Bay Gals Give held its fall giving event earlier this month at Brooklea Golf and Country Club.
“It was a great success,” said Michelle Mink, a founding member of the group, which is also known as GGG for brevity.
While money continues to trickle in, both Warm and Cozy Children's Charity and the Georgian Bay Food Network will each get more than $21,000 as a result of contributions by GGG members.
Normally, the group selects one charity with each member contributing $200 towards the chosen non-profit.
“But our members wanted to spread their kindness and have an impact on two charities and give this split of donations a trial,” Mink added. “We can't begin to thank our members enough. Their donations are impacting worthwhile charities in our community and that is absolutely incredible.”
The initial launch of Gbay Gals Give was June 7th, 2018 at the Midland Golf and Country Club with members donating $24,000 to Georgian Bay General Hospital. Since then, the group has supported a number of worthy causes, including the CLH Foundation, Hospice Huronia, the Guesthouse Shelter, Huronia Transition Homes, Community Reach and the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre.
“We have now, as a membership, surpassed donating over $300,000 to local charities in our area,” Mink said. “We are over the moon. Such a small idea has helped so many.”
With 246 members, the organizing committee consists of Lyn Wolfhard and Kathy Elsdon, who came up with the idea in the first place, as well as Mink, Sherry Middaugh, Sharon Harbottle, Eve Stewart, Barb Coxworth and Sue Lyons.
Mink said that some people might not know that the group relies on venues to give them space free of charge.
“We are forever grateful to Brooklea, Darryl Cramm and the staff who helped us host the event there,” Mink said. “We also rely on businesses/community members to sponsor the food and this time round the gals at the Mortgage Center donated our nibbles. Again, so kind.”
The Gals next event takes place in the spring (May 29) and will be held at the Penetanguishene Legion branch.
Mink said anyone interested in joining “this amazing group of women” is more than welcome, by contacting them at [email protected] or through their visit website.
