A Foothills charity got a big boost from a group of local donors.
The Solace Grief Support Society received nearly $13,000 from 100 Women Who Care Foothills at a cheque presentation in Okotoks on June 7. The cheque is the second largest that has been distributed by the group of area philanthropists.
Society president Andrea Taylor said the money will go a long way towards supporting counsellors who work with the non-profit.
“We only pay our counsellors a small amount for the services that they provide – a huge, huge service,” Taylor said.
The society relies on funding through memberships, grants and donations, she said, and donations like this are extremely beneficial.
“It’s a free service, whether it’s individual or group sessions,” she said.
The High River-based non-profit serves Foothills County and surrounding areas, offering free counselling services to individuals dealing with personal loss and grieving.
Individual or group sessions are offered in-person or online, and an in-person men’s support group meets twice a week.
Intake information is available on the society’s website at www.solacegriefsupport.com.
Formed as a society in 2017, Solace became a registered charity two years later.
This is the second time it has received funding from 100 Women, getting over $11,000 in 2021.
Taylor said the society would like to add a few more members to its board.
“Our board of directors is very small,” she said. “And we would certainly welcome a couple more directors that would like to help out.”
The goal of 100 Women Who Care Foothills is to raise and distribute $40,000 each year to Okotoks and area charities.
Money raised by the organization is distributed four times per year.
Member Julie Hodge said the group has done some amazing things since forming in 2015.
Each member contributes a minimum of $100 per quarter, and through a nomination and voting process, the group decides which charity will be the recipient of that quarter’s donation, Hodge said.
“Instead of $20 here, or $25 here, you can give $100 or more and make a huge, massive impact, this is a very positive thing,” she said, adding the group is always looking for more members to join its ranks.
