100 Women Who Care donate to Special Olympics Caledon

Written By JASON OBERMEYER

Special Olympics Caledon, which launched in January this year, will be getting a huge boost from the 100 Women Who Care Caledon chapter.

Over 50 women gathered for the group's final meeting at the Caledon Ski Club last Thursday, Nov. 29 In just one hour the ladies raised $7,200, and also raised 136 pounds of toiletries donated to The Exchange. Across four meeting in their second year, the women raised over $30'000 for four different non-profit organizations, a slight increase from last year.

Participants were able to nominate an organization ahead of time, with three randomly drawn. Each participant pledged $100 to contribute, and the nominators were given five minutes to make their pitch to those in attendance.

“Special Olympics is a world-wide organization that provides people with intellectual disability the opportunity to participate in organized sports,” said Kristen, a member of organization. “The sports they offer now are five-pin bowling, golf, swimming, and soccer.”

They are part of Special Olympics Ontario, which for over 50 years, has been dedicated to enriching the lives of Ontarian's with an intellectual disability through sport.

According to their website, their vision is that sports will “open hearts and minds towards people with intellectual disabilities and create inclusive communities all across Ontario.” Their values are values respect, inclusion, diversity, excellence, and empowerment.

“I do swimming, soccer, bowling, golf,” said Jason, another member of Special Olympics Caledon.

“All your support will give our athletes from Caledon to compete in the world, regional, and provincial games,” noted Franca De Stefano, a member of the organization's fundraising team, with funding being minimal. “We want to grow and build it stronger.”

She explained that before, the only program in Caledon was the golf program. “Whatever we have done this year is just amazing. Caledon is a great community.”

She added through the program, members can make great friends. “This is a great opportunity for our kids. This is where they are learning their sports.”

The other nominees were Brampton Caledon Community Foundation, and Caledon Parent Child Centre.

The women will hold their meetings next year again at the Caledon Ski Resort, their first meeting being in February.