Olivia and Greg Yuel Family, and PIC- Investment Group have donated $1million to the YWCA Saskatoon Hope Lives Here Campaign. This is part of the overall $19 million campaign which will fund an expansion and renovation project of the existing YWCA Saskatoon. In a news release, Olivia Yuel said, “We are drawn to how the YWCA not only provides a safe place for women to sleep so they feel protected in the moment, but also support for a path to employment through the Employment & Learning Centre; they can see a future where they are in control of their lives.”

Sandra Blevins, Chair of the YWCA Saskatoon Board, says their gift puts the campaign at just over $16.6M raised. In recognition of this gift, five new Family Units in the Crisis Shelter & Residence expansion will be named for the women in the Yuel family. A classroom in the Employment & Learning Centre will also be named.

The expansion and renovation project will increase the number of available Crisis Shelter and Residence second-stage housing beds with a 71-bed expansion, added to the existing facility. This will more than double the YWCA’s capacity creating more space for more women and children. The new 35 units have space for women to stay alongside their children and will help fund repairs to the current shelter including a new roof as well as expanding the Employment and Learning Centre.