Despite the ongoing pandemic, Georgian Bay Gals Give members are still displaying their generous spirit.
The group, also known as GGG for brevity, got together virtually earlier this week and raised more than $36,000 for the CLH Foundation, a registered charity that supports the work of CLH Developmental Support Services.
"We are absolutely thrilled for them," said Michelle Mink, who’s been involved with the group since 2018 when Lyn Wolfhard and Kathy Elsdon Befort came up with the idea.
The initial launch of Gbay Gals Give was June 7th, 2018 at the Midland Golf and Country Club with members donating $24,000 to Georgian Bay General Hospital.
"We hoped we could each gather five friends to join us to give back to the community," Mink said. "Well, we did that and more!"
And what started out with relatively modest intentions quickly blossomed into a group that now features more than 200 women.
"And recently our membership has grown to 235 members," Mink said, noting that there’s something very special about being involved in such a friendly, simplistic way to raise funds for worthy organizations.. "I truly think the main reason that the gals like to be a part of our group is because it’s the easiest way to fund raise and give back."
Mink said plans are already in the works for the fall fundraiser.
"Our next giving event is scheduled for Monday, October 18th," she said.
And with the latest amount raised, the group is now over the $200,000 mark in donations to local community charities.”
Members commit to giving $200 twice a year to a charity that is nominated and voted upon by the membership.
“I’ve been involved in a lot of fundraising over the course of my life and this is the easiest way for me to give back,” said Mink, who was joined on the original fundraising committee by Eve Stewart, Sue Lyons, Sherry Middaugh and Barb Coxworth.
“I write a cheque twice a year for $200 to the chosen charity and the charity sends me a tax receipt. It’s an amazing way to give.”
The organization is always accepting members, who are interested in some camaraderie and a fun, easy way to help local charities.
Anyone interested in learning more about the group can email [email protected] or visit their website.
