During the month of December 2020, YWCA Brandon’s 5th Annual Keeping Spirits Bright campaign presented by Fusion Credit Union was held to raise funds and awareness to support women and their families who experience domestic violence and homelessness over the holiday season and throughout the year.
It is with great appreciation that the YWCA Brandon can announce that through the support of the communities of Manitoba, the campaign not only met the goal of $15,000.00, it was exceed and $17,170.00 was raised!
It is with special acknowledgement that included in this amount, the Erickson Elementary School community raised $1,410.00. Students walked and ran 1,696 kilometres collectively from December 1st to December 18th. This means, Erickson Elementary School will be receiving $782.00 on January 14th, 2021. This amount is comprised of a $500.00 prize for the winning school with most kilometres and 20% of their total fundraising.
“It is important for the YWCA Brandon to reach the youth of our communities. We want young people to know what we do and how they can help. Developing young philanthropists is something the YWCA Brandon advocates for” responds Heather Symbalisty, Executive Director of the YWCA Brandon. Further, she explains, “the funds raised through the Keeping Spirits Bright campaign will support the individuals including youth who are staying at the Westman’s Women’s Shelter and Meredith Place while under code red restrictions. These unprecedented times have introduced new challenges and expenses and the funds raised over the month of December will help individuals who need it”.
It is also with pleasure to announce the winners for each category as follows:
- Patti Couchuyt, winner of the 10km run,
- Leanne Swayze, winner of the 5km run,
- Mark Dabbs, winner of the 2 km run, and
- Marnie Wallis, winner of the most KM’s.
Additionally, it is with gratitude to thank the support from local businesses in Westman and throughout the Province. Thank you, Fusion Credit Union who supported the campaign through their title sponsorship, TD Bank, Trend Collection & Bailiff Services, Western Financial Group as bronze sponsors, and Compass Credit Union and Heritage Co-op as sustaining sponsors. Further thank you to A&L Cycle, The Green Spot, YMCA Brandon, and Brandon University for their donations.
YWCA Brandon looks forward to continuing the success and growth of this event in December 2021. Please follow @YWCABrandon on Facebook and Instagram or ywcabrandon.ca for updates and announcements on how you can get involved.
