YW Calgary announces Terry Crews as Gala keynote speaker

Early bird tickets now on sale

Calgary, AB, Monday, June 11, 2018 – YW Calgary is pleased to announce the guest speaker for their 8th annual YWHISPER Fundraising Gala is actor, artist and former NFL player Terry Crews. This year’s YWHISPER Fundraising Gala will be held at Calgary TELUS Convention Centre on Tuesday, November 20, 2018.

In addition to his background as an actor, Mr. Crews is an outspoken activist in relation to masculinity and gender roles having been called “one of the most progressive and thoughtful voices in gender criticism” by Jezebel.

“Terry Crews is an insightful and thoughtful advocate for gender equality and we are delighted to have him speak at this year’s Gala,” says Sue Tomney, Chief Executive Officer of YW Calgary. “Men and boys are important allies and partners to help end gender-based violence and build equitable communities. Mr. Crews often speaks out on the critical role men play in gender equality and advocates for change to modern day masculinity and what ‘being a man’ means. His passion and honesty make him a great choice as the 2018 YWHISPER Gala speaker.”

This past year has seen many speaking up and out in support of women. In addition to his work on masculinity, Terry Crews was among TIMES’s Magazine’s 2017 “Person of the Year” and recognized as one of the “Silence Breakers.” Mr. Crews was the first man in Hollywood to speak up about his own experiences with abuse as part of the #MeToo movement and is sure to inspire as a voice on gender and harassment.

The YWHISPER Gala is a YW Calgary signature fundraising event. Funds raised at this highly-anticipated event will support programs and services which enable women and their families, while advocating for women’s safety, social and economic rights.

Early bird tickets are available for the month of June at a discounted price of $325 per ticket for the 8th annual YWHISPER Fundraising Gala. Sponsorship packages are available and help ensure the annual YWHISPER Gala continues to raise awareness and funding so women can thrive in community.

For more information on YW Calgary, to purchase tickets or sponsorship opportunities please go to www.ywcalgary.ca/ywhisper/.

About YW Calgary:

YW Calgary is the largest and longest serving women’s organization in Calgary. Since 1991, we have worked with men through our counselling programs to help build safe and equitable communities. For more than 107 years, we have focused on enhancing women’s safety and well-being while advocating for equity. In 2017, the YW Calgary supported more than 5,500 Calgary women and families. Together with our donors, government and other social agencies, we provide shelter, supportive housing, counselling, child development, childcare, education and employment programs that help move women from crisis to stability.

Women-centred. Brighter-future focused.

ywcalgary.ca

For information please contact:

Carla Link

Manager, Marketing & Communications, YW Calgary

Cell: 587.228.8663 l Email: clink@ywcalgary.ca