For immediate release

CALGARY, June 21, 2016 –The YWCA of Calgary (YWCA) is proud to host its 105th Annual General Meeting and donor appreciation event today at 3:30 p.m. with a formal business meeting and awards presentations. The meeting will take place at the YWCA’s downtown facility, in traditional Blackfoot territory. The event celebrates the YWCA’s supporters, achievements, milestones and successes over the last year while outlining a vision for the future.

“We are confident in our future, the path we are on, the support and leadership we have and the ability of the YWCA to support women and their families to overcome their experiences with abuse, poverty or exclusion,” says Sue Tomney, Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA. “We have opportunities to elevate and advance issues that impact women’s equity with policy makers and help our community to thrive.”

The 2015 – 16 year saw the YWCA leverage its rare land asset and chart a new course for the organization setting the wheels in motion for transformation. With the sale of the 44-year old building and full city block to Great Gulf, the YWCA launched a new phase of its long history in Calgary.

Looking forward, work has begun to secure a new site for the future YWCA facility and engage that community in its development. With more than 30 years in the Inglewood neighbourhood with the YWCA Sheriff King Home facility, the organization feels it’s a natural fit to investigate growing its presence in this unique and inclusive community. Community engagement efforts and discussions will continue through the summer and into fall of 2016 with a variety of ways for the community to have input and impact on the future of the YWCA. For more information visit ywcalgary.ca/engagement

The many strategic changes the YWCA made in 2015-16 were to support their ability to continue to provide the programs and services women and their families need to thrive. In 2015, the YWCA supported more than 6,700 unique individuals through programs that range from shelter and housing to counselling, education and employment services as well as parenting support and child care.

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About the YWCA of Calgary:

The YWCA is the largest and longest serving women’s organizations in Calgary. Through its 105 year history, the organization has touched hundreds of thousands of lives and evolved its programs to meet the changing needs of women. The YWCA offers programs that create a continuum of service for women and families who are struggling with poverty, homelessness, family violence and isolation. www.ywcalgary.ca

For information and interview inquiries please contact:

Carla Link

Manager, Marketing & Communications

YWCA of Calgary

Phone: 403.705.5779 l Cell: 587.228.8663 l Email: clink@ywcalgary.ca