Local Love

THE HEART & HUSTLE BEHIND THE HOME

A LOCAL REALTOR WITH A HEART FOR COMMUNITY

Four times a year, women from the community meet at a local restaurant or coffee shop to give back to our community The group is called 100 Women Who Care TriMunicipal Region They tell me this will be their 8th year together. Some have been here since the beginning, with new women joining in as they hear about it

The first time I went to an event, I was so moved. I think that’s the same for most of us when we first show up. Jennifer O’Conner said it well when I asked her,

“After the first meeting I was blown away. It didn’t matter the size of the company or charity, it was about making a local impact. The logo for the 100 Women Who Care is a drop of water - because it’s a ripple effect.”

Meeting these individuals making an impact in large or small, but equally powerful ways, right here in our region is humbling and inspiring. It reminds you that we each have the ability to affect change by giving from what's in our heart, from what we have to give. In an inviting and approachable way.

Juliana Tardiff said, “I joined 100 women who care as a way to give back to the community when I don’t have a lot of free time to do anything myself. It’s nice to be able to commit some money and 4 hours a year to support those who are able to put time and effort into bettering our community and helping those in need.”

I showed up that first night expecting to give support to a local non-profit or charity. I didn’t expect to show up and actually feel the support myself. I arrived and found other faces from our region - many I knew, many I didn’t - and was invited into an opportunity to band together to make a difference

It is a tangible opportunity to link arms with other women; to invest into movements and initiatives that matter to us; to be a part of a ripple effect, right here at home Where it matters

It’s a beautiful, inspiring sense of purposeful community.

At each quarterly event, 3 nominated local charities or nonofit organizations that work within our region have the pportunity to share their mission and tell their story The ganizations are nominated by members as they join each alendar year

When I asked the admin team, “Who are the faces behind 0 Women Who Care?” they told me “It’s the women of the ommunity. It’s friends, neighbours, business partners. It’s ot about us - that takes away from the 100 women. That’s hat it’s about It’s about community It’s about kindness”

And that’s just the best part of this It is us. Without the community, it doesn’t exist. It’s us. It’s us supporting each other.

As I was leaving that night, Tracy Turner said, “It’s an open invitation. If someone wants to come they can reach out to me, join the facebook group, or email me at 100womenwhocaretriregion@gmai lcom Tell them they can just come out for a night and see what it’s about”

All around us, people are doing GOOD They’re making an actual difference in our region Not only is there good and love in the world - there’s good and love right here in our community

Dear women of Parkland County, Spruce Grove & Stony Plain,

The next event will be May 21 and please consider this your official invitation, from me to you. Not only are you invited, we need you.

Because together we can make a bigger impact. Together we can create momentum in a movement.

I hope to see you there!

~ Sarah

Connect with 100 Women Who Care on Instagram