What Makes a Community? - Issue 380

The Guelph community embodies a spirit of unity, compassion, and collective action that sets it apart as a shining example of what a close-knit society can achieve.

Guelph is a city that understands the power of coming together to uplift its members, especially those facing adversity with limited resources.

At the core of Guelph's strength lies initiatives like "100 Men Who Give a Damn" and "100 Women Who Care." These programs are emblematic of this community's dedication to making a tangible impact on local charities and support groups. The driving force behind these endeavors is a simple, yet profound belief: that even with modest resources, significant change is not only possible but essential.

"100 Men Who Give a Damn" brings together men from all walks of life who are committed to making a difference. By pooling their resources, they create a formidable collective fund.

Quarterly, members convene to hear short presentations from local charities and non-profit organizations. Through impassioned 5 minute pitches, these organizations present their missions and how they intend to utilize the funds. The men then cast their votes, and the winning organization receives the entirety of the pooled contributions.

This direct and immediate impact is a testament to the power of community-driven philanthropy.

Likewise, "100 Women Who Care" operates on the same principle, with a focus on harnessing the strength of women in the community. The program empowers women to channel their collective resources towards charitable causes that resonate with them. By providing a platform for women to be agents of change, this initiative addresses critical issues while reinforcing a sense of agency and solidarity among the members.

What sets these programs apart is their simplicity and effectiveness. By requiring only a commitment of time and a modest financial contribution of $100 per quarter from each member, they demonstrate that significant change doesn't necessarily require immense wealth.

Rather, it necessitates a shared dedication to the well-being of the community.

The impact of these initiatives reverberates far beyond the immediate beneficiaries.

They create a ripple effect of positivity, inspiring others to get involved and fostering a culture of giving back. As word spreads about the transformative work of "100 Men Who Give a Damn" and "100 Women Who Care," more individuals are drawn to the cause, further amplifying the impact.

The Guelph community's support extends beyond financial contributions. It is a collective ethos that recognizes that everyone has something to offer, whether it be time, expertise, or simply the willingness to lend a helping hand.

This week at the quarterly meeting, presentations were heard from Royal City Mission, The Guelph Foodbank and Anishnabeg Outreach. The quarterly award was presented to Anishnabeg Outreach. Stephen Jackson presented his paradigm that change begins with healing. His organization is on a quest to provide healing techniques and tools that help strengthen mental health not just for indigenous peoples, but for society at large.

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A June joint meeting of 100 Men Who Give a Damn and 100 Women Who Care resulted in a donation of $25,000 to Community of Hearts, located downtown in the Quebec Street Mall. This charitable organization serves Guelph citizens aged 16 and older who are living with developmental disabilities. Through their Learning Day Programs, their goal is to support youth, adults, and seniors with developmental exceptionalities to achieve the level of independence they desire.

Together, these two grassroots fundraising organizations have raised over $675,000, with 55 Guelph charities having benefited over the past nine years. As stated by Mike Brookbank, 100 Men Who Give a Damn founding member,

“The breadth and scope of our local charities here in Guelph and Wellington County reach into many corners of our wonderful community, helping and providing a bedrock of support to our friends, colleagues and neighbours. We are grateful for their dedication and happy to be part of the cycle of care. We hope our collective $100 cheques help move the needle for those that need it.”

As our community continues to grow, so too do the needs of those struggling with challenges. It’s gratifying to see the community come together to assist and support the less fortunate and struggling members of our community.

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Enjoy the weekend & thanks for reading!

Paul

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