YWCA Cambridge Turns 75!

first-ywca-building-white-house-water-colour
An illustration of the original YWCA of Galt building

October 2023 marked YWCA Cambridge’s 75th anniversary. 

That’s 75 years of providing programs and services that respond to the changing needs of women and girls in our community.

That’s 75 years of working to move the needle on gender equity through advocacy, coalition-building, events, delegations to municipal and regional councils, thousands of meetings with elected representatives, and millions of those everyday smaller actions that together make a movement.

We made it to 75 years because of the immense support of people like you, people who saw the value in our work and wished to be a part of the positive change we’re working toward. You can help us be this agent of support and change for another 75 years. Consider donating $75 now to honour our 75 years and look forward to the next 75!

I Want to Donate $75 for 75!
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collage of old newspaper clippings
Photo of the outside of the YWCA building that was on Industrial Road
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What some of our longest-standing supporters have to say about YWCA Cambridge celebrating 75 years

Ruth Legate Exon

"Congratulations to [CEO Kim Decker] and staff for all the incredible contributions you make to our Cambridge community...My involvement with the YWCA over the years has been varied from observer to participant to financial supporter. I think what is remarkable to me is that the Y work is going on all the time and often quietly out of sight. Vulnerable people are being supported and encouraged to participate wholeheartedly in their lives. Their personal confidence and resilience grows. Our community is stronger, one individual at a time, thanks to the YWCA’s many programs."

Ann VanNorman

At the very beginning of the inception of the YW in 1948, my 16-year-old Mother took up residence in the Women’s Residence on Cambridge Street. This allowed her to attend school and then work to provide for herself before marrying my father...When I became a parent, it was the place to go for excellent preschool care. That is when I became a volunteer instructing sessions for Exploring Nature with Children, serving on the YW Board and becoming a YW Board Chair. Our daughter also served on the board... The work of the Cambridge YWCA is so vital in our community. Many times it stands out as the only source of concern for issues in child care, gender-based violence, and marginalized women and girls."

Lynn Spence

"The YWCA Cambridge is celebrating 75 years of involvement in doing amazing work for its community. I have had the great fortune to join forces with the amazing women of the YWCA for the last 15 years. The members work tirelessly to bring amazing programs for women and girls, and all too often, funding [for this work] is not available. I will do anything I can to help this wonderful organization. I am so proud to be associated with the YWCA Cambridge"

What some of our longest-standing supporters have to say about YWCA Cambridge celebrating 75 years

Ruth Legate Exon

"Congratulations to [CEO Kim Decker] and staff for all the incredible contributions you make to our Cambridge community...My involvement with the YWCA over the years has been varied from observer to participant to financial supporter. I think what is remarkable to me is that the Y work is going on all the time and often quietly out of sight. Vulnerable people are being supported and encouraged to participate wholeheartedly in their lives. Their personal confidence and resilience grows. Our community is stronger, one individual at a time, thanks to the YWCA’s many programs."

Ann VanNorman

At the very beginning of the inception of the YW in 1948, my 16-year-old Mother took up residence in the Women’s Residence on Cambridge Street. This allowed her to attend school and then work to provide for herself before marrying my father...When I became a parent, it was the place to go for excellent preschool care. That is when I became a volunteer instructing sessions for Exploring Nature with Children, serving on the YW Board and becoming a YW Board Chair. Our daughter also served on the board... The work of the Cambridge YWCA is so vital in our community. Many times it stands out as the only source of concern for issues in child care, gender-based violence, and marginalized women and girls."

Lynn Spence

"The YWCA Cambridge is celebrating 75 years of involvement in doing amazing work for its community. I have had the great fortune to join forces with the amazing women of the YWCA for the last 15 years. The members work tirelessly to bring amazing programs for women and girls, and all too often, funding [for this work] is not available. I will do anything I can to help this wonderful organization. I am so proud to be associated with the YWCA Cambridge"
YWCA Scans (p10)

"I was initially drawn to the YWCA in the 1980s because of its unyielding commitment to empowering some of the most marginalized individuals in our society...What keeps me devoted to the YWCA’s mission is its holistic approach to empowerment. This is not just an organization that ‘helps’; it empowers, fosters resilience, and truly transforms lives.

Norma McDonald Ewing, YWCA Cambridge Board Chair

Photo: Norma (right) stands beside another long-time YWCA Cambridge supporter, Laura Manning, circa 1985

Read More of Norma's Reflections on Our Blog

Thank You

Thank you to all of the generous individuals and organizations that have helped power the work of YWCA Cambridge over the years. We are truly grateful for your overwhelming support.

Donations of $20 or more will receive a charitable tax receipt

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