SHELBURNE, N.S. — Santa Claus came early for the Shelburne Association Supporting Inclusion (SASI).
The non-profit association is the recipient of an $8,400 donation from 100+ Women Who Care of Shelburne County. SASI was selected for the donation at the Dec. 4 meeting of the 100 Women Who Care group.
Since forming in 2017, Penny Smith, treasurer of 100+ Women Who Care of Shelburne County, said, “approximately $100,000 has gone back into the community, improving the lives of literally thousands of Shelburne County residents."
For SASI to receive the donation was “fantastic,” said executive director Loretta Nickerson, adding the funding will help the organization to continue its programs to support its 64 participants across Shelburne County.
SASI operates workshops in the county, supporting persons with disabilities. Mayflower Place in Barrington Passage is both a bakery and laundry valet service. SASI Works in Shelburne is a bakery and also offers a multitude of programs and services such as woodworking and lawn care.
SASI also operates the Shelburne Café in Shelburne, Beech Street Studio in Lockeport, residential homes in Barrington Passage and Shelburne, and a number of independent living apartments.
Smith said the 100+ Women Who Care of Shelburne County “began as a simple, impactful way to make a difference in Shelburne County by supporting organizations that improve our community’s social health, well-being and overall functioning.
“It brings women from Shelburne County together who care about local community causes and want to help. We get together four times a year for a one-hour meeting, learn about local groups and organizations doing incredible work in our community, and each donate $100 to the organization that the group selects. This combined donation makes an immediate, direct and positive impact, without time-consuming fundraising events and planning.”
During the September meeting the recipient of the funds from the 100+ women group was the Barrington Lions Club, which was planning to use the money to purchase a generator for the hall so they could become a comfort centre, said Smith. Three days after the meeting, post-tropical storm Dorian struck, causing power outages throughout the county – in some cases for almost an entire week.
It was reported at the December Women Who Care meeting that a generator had been purchased and installed at the hall, and will now be ready for use by the community in times of need.
"This is but one example of the immediate, positive impact we’re able to make together,” said Smith.
The 100+ Women Who Care of Shelburne County encourages women interested in supporting their communities to join the group.
“Some of our ladies attend every meeting, some now and then, and others give their $100 and never attend, simply wanting to provide their support and be a part of something bigger than themselves," Smith said.
Anyone in interested in more information can visit www.100womenofshelburnecounty.weebly.com or contact one of the executive members Penny Smith, Wanda Mood, Pam Mingo, Suzy Powley-Atwood and Tamara Locke.
