so far

Some people don't understand what I do in my career because it is such an unusual world from their own. There are moments that even seem surreal to me. During my various roles, I have had amazing opportunities. I went on the road with Paul Brandt in connection with Operation Christmas Child, I met David Suzuki, went to a Stampede party at a very shee-shee house of a wealthy philanthropist here in Calgary, and planned all sorts of different events ranging in size from 5 to 3500 attendees. But I think I had my best career moment this week...this event on Thursday may even be in competition for best life experience yet.

Over the past three months, I have been working with the YWCA of Calgary for an inaugural event called Keep A Roof Over Their Heads. Since my job is giving away the bank's money to charitable organizations, I was designated to help the YWCA raise awareness and funds for women needing shelter due to poverty or domestic abuse. Although I work with many great causes and organizations, the cause of women in abusive relationship has impacted me more than I could imagine. When we launched the event/partnership to our branches, personal stories were shared. Many days, I found myself with tears in my eyes over the pain and honesty of a colleague who has just shared her story with me. And I don't cry easily as many of you know. This cause for women seeking housing after leaving domestic abuse situations has touched me to the core.

Excuse me for a moment while I rant...In Calgary, affordable housing is a huge issue as our economy is booming but many people are being left behind as prices for everything rise. In addition, Alberta has the dubious distinction of having Canada's highest rate of domestic abuse (1 in 4 women have or will be abused). The event we did this week was under the premise of a woman should not have to choose between homelessness and abuse. We were raising money specifically for long-term supported transistional housing (the next step after emergency shelters). Our provincial government has a policy of ONLY funding a 21-day stay at emergency shelters for women escaping violence....that appalls me and is the reason I did not vote for the Conservatives. So after 21 days, the women have to make a choice and many go back to their abuser. Anyhow, I digress.

Back to the event, on Thursday, we invited Calgarians to give to this important cause. We had a goal of $100,000 when we started planning the event. Through live radio and TV cut-ins, we held a tele-thon of sorts at a local mall. The response was overwhelming. I think it was more than just the money raised...the passion and the people at the YWCA so committed to women in our city. By the end of the day, we raised more than $160,000. The bank then matched the first $50,000 which brought our totals to $210,000+. And the numbers are still growing. I am not sure really how to put this experience into words but the stress and the unknowns of the event as we were planning it now all seem so insignificant.