The Saskatoon YWCA’s Shine A Light holiday campaign helps the community organization serve thousands of women and families every year.
CEO Shannon Friesen says their fundraising goal was $40-thousand which they surpassed by a bit, with proceeds still coming in.
Along with being a fitness and aquatic centre, the YWCA helps to combat poverty, homelessness and violence with its programs and services.
During the holiday campaign, donations could be made to a specific program and Friesen says their residential programs, which includes the emergency shelter and a transitional housing program, are often top of mind during the holiday season.
She emphasizes that although this fundraising campaign is done, the need for donations doesn’t end.
Some of the other programs from the Saskatoon YWCA are a Trade Journey program to help women get construction jobs, an employment and learning program which includes access to employment counselors and job clubs , the day care centre and fitness and health programs.