YWCA Women of Distinction Award Voting

It seems like every contest and award has some sort of public voting involved nowadays, from the World Travel Awards to which new donut flavour is going to hit the shelves. The YWCA Women of Distinction Awards is no exception, but at least it's for a good cause!

When Trish was shortlisted for a YWCA Women of Distinction Award in Entrepreneurship & Innovation, she was asked to choose one of five worthy causes and provide a quote about why that particular cause is important to her. She chose 'Safe and Reliable Housing' and you can read her quote HERE.Each shortlisted candidate was asked to do this so that community members like you could support a cause of your choice by voting for a quote that you connect with. Voting begins April 26th and ends on May 28th at noon. You can vote once each day from now until then. The winning quote will be announced on June 1st, and the cause it supports will receive $10,000 from Scotiabank.

Please support safe and reliable housing in the Vancouver community by clicking HERE and voting for Trish's quote. By voting, you are also entered to win a prize pack that includes two tickets to the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards dinner and a two night stay at a YWCA hotel.

About the Safe and Affordable Housing Cause

“There is an affordable housing gap of 5000 low-income housing units and 300 transitional housing units in Surrey.” (Plan for the Social Well-Being of Surrey Residents, 2006)

Without a stable place to live, it’s hard to move forward in life. YWCA Vancouver is currently undertaking a campaign to build Alder Gardens, an affordable housing community for single moms and their children at risk of homelessness in Surrey. Rental rates will be determined using a pro-rated system where women pay no more than 30% of income. Income is the most easily measured indicator of being at-risk of homelessness. When housing cost exceeds 30% ofincome, adequate funds for good nutrition, appropriate clothing, and other necessities of life are often no longer available.

Alder Gardens will help each mother to build a healthier and more economically secure life for her children. A Community Development Worker will be available to residents and will assist them to develop networks in the community.

Please VOTE.

Thanks!

- Anny Chih

Scott Pare Gets a Goat

Over the holidays, we put together a little contest to raise money for holiday turkeys for the homeless. For every five travel photos posted on our Facebook Fan page, $1 would be donated to a local shelter. As a bonus, contributors were entered to win a goat donation to an African village in his / her name, and a one-year subscription to Outpost Magazine.

Congratulations to Scott Pare! You've won a goat and an Outpost Magazine subscription! :)

Here's one of Scott's winning photos: