A Niagara non-profit and nature preserve walked away with $20,400 after 153 women gathered at Queen’s Landing for the latest 100+ Women Who Care Niagara-on-the-Lake meeting.
On Monday night, members of the giving group heard presentations from three finalist organizations — Heartland Forest, Red Roof Retreat and YWCA Niagara Region — before voting to award the pooled donation to Heartland Forest.
Executive director Elisabeth Graham said the organization is rooted in the belief that access to nature should never be a privilege.
“We provide a place where people of all abilities can connect, heal and belong,” she said.
Heartland Forest is a Niagara Falls non-profit nature centre that operates free, accessible trails and offers outdoor education and recreation programs.
The giving group is part of a global movement that pools member donations to support local causes.
Members each commit to donating $100 every quarter, nominate eligible local charities and not-for-profits, hear presentations from three finalists and vote to decide which organization receives the collective gift.
Audrey Pellett, who co-founded the group with Julia Buxton-Cox and Penny Milligan, said two things stand out each quarter.
“The extraordinary number of organizations rising to meet the diverse needs of our community — and the unwavering spirit of the women in this town who continue to show up, lift each other up and create lasting change,” she said.
The group’s next quarterly meeting is planned for July.
“We can’t wait,” said Pellett.
