Tara Jeffrey
What can 100 women do when they come together for a good cause?
Joanne Hines wants to find out.
The local woman has launched the area’s first “100 Women Who Care” chapter, based on a growing trend in community activism catering to like-minded women who want to give back but may not necessarily have the extra time for event planning, fundraising and organizing.
“I just knew I needed to start one up,” said Hines, who recently moved back to her hometown of Sarnia, after living in Waterloo, where she was a member of that region’s chapter. She has teamed up with friend Linda Vandenbroek and will host the inaugural meeting of the 100 Women Who Care Sarnia-Lambton Chapter on Oct. 7 at the Sarnia Golf and Curling Club.
“The concept is really for people who are so busy but still want to give back, and it’s a great way to connect with other women.”
The goal is to recruit 100 or more Sarnia-Lambton women who will meet four times per year for one hour. Each member donates $100 to a charity chosen at the meeting by majority vote -- that’s $10,000 going directly to a local charity.
Members can nominate a charity of choice -- each of which is placed in a pool, with three names drawn. Those three members will present on behalf of their chosen charity, and the group votes on where the money will go.
“It can be emotional, because it really comes from the heart,” said Hines, noting the opportunity for lesser-known not-for-profits to get some exposure, and potentially $10,000. “That’s a huge boost for some of the area’s smaller charities.”
Hines said she’s working with the London chapter -- which boasts some 300 members -- to help get the local group up and running. She’s already getting requests from women looking to join, and there’s no limit if interest surpasses 100 members.
“They just want to be a part of something good,” she said. “It’s phenomenal.”
For more information, visit www.100whocaresarnia.com
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: 100 Women Who Care Sarnia-Lambton (inaugural meeting)
WHEN: Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Sarnia Golf & Curling Club
DETAILS: Visit www.100whocaresarnia.com