'Gbay Gals Give' proves power in numbers while helping community
A group of women in Georgian Bay are proving giving back to the community doesn't have to be stressful.
The GBay Gals Give held its spring donation event Monday evening. The group of women, which now numbers at approximately 250 members, gives back to various charities throughout the community two times a year.
"We get together for a glass of wine to give money to fulfill the needs of our community," said Kathy Elsdon Befort, the committee chair. "We're here for an hour or two, and we go home. The whole concept is simple and to be impactful and to be together."
On Monday night, the group presented Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) with $43,800, which will be targeted toward the hospital's fundraising campaign for a new MRI.
"They chose the hospital, I think because that need will service everyone within our community," said Elsdon Befort. "An MRI will serve everyone that's here that needs any medical attention."
GBGH is working to raise four million dollars over the next two years for a new MRI machine.
"We're seeing almost 4000 patients travel out of the community to Barrie, Orillia or sometimes even farther down to Toronto for an MRI, so bringing that care closer to home is integral, and we know that it's breaking down those barriers to access," said Nicole Kraftscik, the GBGH Foundation CEO.
Since starting in 2018, the group has raised over $350,000 for 11 local charities. Members each give $200 and gather for an hour twice a year with no other time commitments or obligations.
"We're just so grateful to everyone for coming out and being part of this and donating and spending time together as women in our community that care about the needs within our town," said Elsdon Befort.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
World's record-breaking hot temperature streak stretches through April
The world just experienced its hottest April on record, extending an 11-month streak in which every month set a temperature record, the European Union's climate change monitoring service said on Wednesday.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.