News & Events

The holiday season is a great time to get together with friends and neighbours. It’s an opportunity to share stories, enjoy each other’s company and create memories. With YWCA Social Good Parties, it’s also the perfect time to turn that gathering into an opportunity to give back.

Every Christmas, Social Good Parties are happening around our community. These are holiday parties where friends or co-workers get together socially and make a donation as a group to support great community programs happening at the YWCA.

Cynthia Block has been hosting a Social Good Party each holiday season for the past 16 years.

A former member of the YWCA Board of Directors, Cynthia was on the grassroots level of developing the giving party concept.

“Often when people get together they want to bring a hostess gift,” she explained. “I don’t need a hostess gift. With the Social Good Party we have the opportunity to turn that gift into a donation to the YWCA.”

For Cynthia, what started as a small group of friends getting together has grown into an event with 100 people donating thousands of dollars each year to the organization that helps people in the local community.

“I host the party in my home and my whole family gets involved,” she said. “My kids hang coats, we bring in a bartender, and everyone has a good time.”

While Cynthia’s party has expanded over the years to become a large event, social good parties don’t have to be large.

“The great beauty of Social Good is that there are no expectations,” she said. “You can have just a few people over and still make a difference. Whether you are donating $5, $500 or $5,000 every bit counts.”

She encourages people in all types of groups to get together and support the YWCA. Whether it’s a book club, a moms’ and tots group or a group of neighbours, the opportunity to give is there.

“The idea is to give what you feel comfortable with.”

With the YWCA, your donations go toward helping people make positive changes in their lives.

“The Y provides real solutions,” said Cynthia. “I like knowing my donation will actually go to something that will change the dial and truly help people.”

By hosting a Social Good Party with your group this holiday season, you and your friends are helping women and families all year long. Money raised at your Social Good Party is used to support the serviced and programs offered at the YWCA. Whether it’s supporting the Crisis Shelter 24 hours support system, Turning Points supportive living, Employment and Learning opportunities or Child Development Centre programs, the funds raised make a difference to women and children right here in our own city.

As you invite friends, neighbours and co-workers to get together consider adding a giving element to your party.

“People love to get together, especially this time of year, and the Social Good Parties are a great opportunity to give back to the community during the holiday season.”

by Terri Eger