CTV Calgary and Golden Acre Garden Sentre are raising money in support of the YWCA to ensure that women and children have a safe haven this holiday season.
The annual Give the Gift of Safety campaign got underway on Wednesday and CTV personalities were on hand manning the phones and taking in donations.
Last year the fundraiser brought in $30,000 and organizers are hoping for even more this year.
All money raised goes to support the various programs at the Y including housing for women and children fleeing domestic violence.
“The YWCA provides women and children with a safe place to call their home with family violence prevention programming, with poverty reduction initiatives and all of the money raised today will support those programs and services that the YWCA provides,” said Joanna Domes, YWCA Manager of Resource Development.
Calgarians stopped by the garden centre all day with gifts of cash and the Rotary Club of Calgary Centennial cut a cheque for $10,000.
The YWCA has been part of the Calgary community for over 100 years and officials say the need is great.
“The need is huge. In 2011 we served over 10,000 women, children and men. We need to fundraise $3.7 Million this year to keep our programs and services running,” said Domes.
You can make a difference in the lives of a Calgary family by picking up the phone and pledging your donation.
To Give the Gift of Safety call 403-221-8680 up until 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Donations can also be made online on a continuing basis.
