Having a positive impact as an individual can sometimes seem hard, but when individuals unite to give back together, they can have a huge impact—$259,600 worth, in fact.
100 Women Whistler, a local chapter of the 100 Women Who Care Alliance, has been in operation since 2019, and since then, has collectively donated more than a quarter of a million dollars to local charities. The concept is simple: 100 women each donate $100 during one meeting, raising $10,000 for a local charity. The amount raised fluctuates based on membership, and the group meets four times a year, raising $40,000 plus annually.
Founder Ashlie Girvan was inspired to start the local chapter because of the simplicity of the process and the sizable impact one group can have. She wants people to know membership is open to women from all walks of life.
“Our membership worried that people didn't realize that you can join at any time. It seemed like it was sort of an invite only or you can only join in January…People can join at any time by visiting our website and using that membership tab,” Girvan said.
Each chapter is run independently, and they get to decide what works for them, choosing a different dollar amount or the times they vote, according to Girvan.
Once a year, each member nominates an eligible charity within Whistler, Squamish and Pemberton. Three nominees are randomly chosen six weeks before a quarterly meeting and asked to present to the chapter. From there, members vote anonymously and the majority charity wins.
Each quarter, members meet at Fairmont Chateau Whistler to hear the pitches, and members can socialize for an hour before the meeting begins.
The second quarter donation meeting heard presentations by AWARE Whistler, Pemberton & District Museum and Archive Society and Second Chance Cheekye Ranch, with Cheekye earning $11,300 for its youth program, Into the Woods.
In April, CIBC donated $10,000 to the Whistler chapter in lieu of client gifts. The group chose a recipient by voting for a presentation which previously pitched and didn’t get a donation. Sea to Sky Community Services earned $10,000 for a healthy pregnancy outreach program.
The next meeting is slated for Sept. 18, and men interested in joining their own giving circle will soon have an opportunity, with 100 Men Whistler starting up this fall.
