For Immediate Release
June 23, 2021

YW CALGARY HONOURS MAYOR WITH INAUGURAL AWARD AT 110TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

(Calgary, AB) – YW Calgary kicks off their 110th Annual General Meeting (AGM) today at 3:30 pm with guest speaker, Mayor Naheed Nenshi sharing his perspective of the impacts of COVID on the social service sector, and a look forward at his hopes for an inclusive recovery for Calgary. As a long time friend of YW, Mayor Nenshi will be presented with YW’s inaugural Beacon Award, in recognition of his devotion to community building, his creative problem solving and dedication to establishing a community of acceptance and inclusion for all Calgarians.

Sue Tomney, Chief Executive Officer of YW shares the intent behind this award, “YW’s new Beacon Award symbolizes our efforts to create safe, inclusive and collaborative spaces for women and their families in Calgary. Mayor Nenshi’s ongoing support of the work of YW – from speaking at many of our signature fundraising events, to his role in ensuring that our new home in Inglewood became a reality – made the decision to present the first edition of this award to him a natural fit.”

YW Calgary’s AGM will also highlight their year in review, dubbed the Year of COVID: Courage; Opportunity; Vision; Impact; Dedication brought to life through the digital 2020-2021 Annual Report. In addition, they will unveil their new five year Strategic Plan, which will highlight the focus of their work in the years ahead.

“This past year has been challenging for everyone, and those who were already struggling have been impacted even more profoundly,” says Tomney. “However, we have learned a lot and are now even better positioned to provide critical housing and shelter supports as well as utilize our expertise in mental health and women’s economic prosperity to meet the changing needs of the community.”

This marks YW’s second virtual AGM, demonstrating the organization’s ability to adapt to the challenges of the ongoing pandemic. In a year where many services paused, YW kept their doors open – both physically and virtually – to support more than 3,500 Calgarians with their wide ranging programs and services that assist individuals to take steps towards a thriving future.

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About YW Calgary:

Voted one of Maclean’s Top 100 Charities of 2020, YW Calgary supports more than 3,500 Calgary women and their families each year. YW focuses on enhancing women’s safety and well-being while advocating for equity. Together with our donors, government and other social agencies, we provide crisis and transitional shelter, supported housing, counselling, parenting supports, childcare, language and employment programs that help move women from crisis to stability.

For information and interview inquiries, please contact:

Carla Link
Director, Communications & Community Relations, YW Calgary
Phone: 587.228.8663 | Email: clink@ywcalgary.ca | ywcalgary.ca