By Matt Weingarden – Staff Reporter
Guesstwood Camp in Essex is the latest charitable organization to receive a major donation on the heels of the 10th anniversary celebration of the 100 Women Who Care organization.
The group donates to four different local charities every year and to date have helped approximately 40 charities across Windsor-Essex.
Who are 100 Women Who Care?
“We are now 100 plus women across the Windsor-Essex community, who get together four times a year to donate $10,000 to a local charity,” said Maureen Lucas, co-founder of the organization.
“100 Women Who Care Windsor is organized and operated entirely by volunteers. One – hundred per cent of the money raised at our meetings goes directly to the selected organizations.”
The group is a grass roots organization starting with chapters across the United States and moving into Canada, specifically Toronto and London.
Each chapter is responsible for running their own unit individually, without overhead costs and paying administration.
“I attended a meeting in London, and decided to start a Windsor chapter,” said Lucas. “Often what happens is someone goes to a meeting, sees how easy it is to set up and run and begins their own chapter…and it’s a wonderfully easy way to raise money within the community.”
Lucas says that there are no funds that need to be raised or money that changes hands…all funds go directly from the women to the charity. The last two years meetings have been held virtually due to the pandemic. This month’s get together was the first in-person gathering, which was held at the Windsor Yacht Club.
“And we do it all in an hour, showing just how efficient women can be,” laughed Lucas. “We meet, socialize, listen to three pitches from the nominated charities, vote and write a cheque…all between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.”
It just so happens that the charity was founded by three Lakeshore residents, Lucas, Liz Farano and community liaison Chantelle Meadows.
“While we do support some of the better-known charitable organizations around the county, we really like to highlight some of the lesser-known grass roots, under the radar organizations and shine a light on them.” added Lucas. “We love to support groups who are not getting the big funding dollars.”
Who is Guesstwood Camp?
Gesstwood Camp and Retreat Centre is located on a 62-acre lot in the centre of Essex County made up of playing grounds, beautiful forest, unique flora and fauna, meandering creeks and lots of wildlife. There are acres of trails throughout the site to explore and hike.
Gesstwood Camp has been serving the community for 58 years offering programs including: Summer camp, ropes course, camping rentals and field trips.
“One of the things we loved about the Guesstwood presentation was the emphasis on getting kids to camp out after the last couple in years being forced to stay indoors…kids are forgetting how to socialize…so camp is more important than ever.”
Earlier this year, the Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association was the recipient of a $12,000 donation.
“Two things that make 100 Women Who Care different is that we help many organizations, not just one of them. There are so many great charities out there, we are givers in our community and support different causes from sickness to art. We can really spread funds around,” said Lucas. “The second things – there is no overhead or costs for administration…all funds go directly to the charity.”
How it works:
Each Member commits to donating $100 per meeting, four times a year, diligently conducted in one hour or less.
Any member in good standing is invited to nominate an organization for consideration at a meeting.
Three randomly selected organizations will make a five-minute presentation about the organization to the group and a Q&A session will follow.
Each member may vote for one of the three organizations and write a tax-deductible cheque for $100. The selected organization will receive a group donation of $10,000 or more.
Future endeavours?
Lucas says this year they plan to highlight some of the long-time members and remind people of the charities we have helped as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations,” said Lucas. “Mostly, we are looking to grow the group…the bigger we become the more funds can be donated back to the community.”
Interested in becoming part of 100 Women Who Care?
“Its amazing how someone’s $100 cheque can turn into a $10,000 donation,” Lucas said.
Visit 100womenwindsor.com/ for more information on becoming a member.
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