Fort St. John Rotarians and Mother's Day runners this year raised $10,775 for the Women's Resource Society.
In 1981, a group of women in the Fort St. John area organized the original Women's Centre. They were concerned about the lack of resources and choices available to women in the North and the overall absence of an effective method of organizing change for women.
In the spirit of sisterhood, Fort St. John women took it upon themselves to fill this gap by creating a place for women to gather and forge a sense of community-based support. Forty years later, the Women's Resource Society continues in this tradition, providing valuable services including a drop-in centre, shelter for women and children fleeing abuse, poverty and family law advocacy, and promoting the betterment of all women's lives.
“The Rotary Club of Fort St. John is honoured to be able to help a organization that gives back so much to the community,” said Vince van Wieringen, President, Rotary Club of Fort St. John. “Our volunteers, sponsors, and members work hard year after year to provide funding to local organizations in need of help, and look forward to the continued help and support from our great community businesses and volunteers.”
“On behalf of all the staff and volunteers here at the Fort St. John Women’s Resource Society, we would like to thank the Rotary Club and everyone who participated in the Mother’s Day Run event!” said Lisa Jewell, Outreach & Housing Coordinator, Fort St. John Women's Resource Society. “We are so grateful for the continued support from the community. Thank you so very much.”
Rotarians have now raised more than $80,000 for the Women's Resource Society since 2012 with the help of Fort St. John families. Details about the 2022 Mother's Day Run will be released in the New Year.