June 2026 Charity Recipient Receives $10.1K

Inclusion Foothills has been selected as the recipient of $10,100 in unrestricted funding from 100 Women Who Care Foothills following the giving collective's June 11 Charity Selection Event.

The event marked the organization's 43rd quarterly giving event since its founding in November 2015. During this recent donation cycle, 98 members contributed a combined $10,100 and voted to award the entire amount to Inclusion Foothills. With this latest donation, 100 Women Who Care Foothills has now contributed a total of $335,300 to local charities.

"We are so grateful to be chosen as the charity for this quarter," says Inclusion Foothills Executive Director Vanessa McKenzie. "This donation will make a huge difference in the lives of families of people with disabilities in our community.

"We're already seeing a surge in demand for support navigating the transition to the Alberta Disability Assistance Plan in July, while families of children with disabilities are struggling with long wait times to access government-funded support.

"Thanks to 100 Women Who Care Foothills, we’ll be able to expand the capacity of our Family Support program to meet the needs of our community when it matters most, ensuring every family has the resources needed for their family members to be valued and included."

As a potential added bonus, this donation may be eligible for up to 50-percent matching funding from the Roger’s Birdies for Kids program. Presented by AltaLink, ‘Birdies’ is a non-profit donation matching program operating under the Calgary Shaw Charity Classic Foundation. If approved, this could result in up to $5,050 in additional funds, to further support Inclusion Foothills’ programs during a time of year when support is most needed.

"Our June event, held at Turner Valley Golf Club, welcomed about 40 members and guests," says 100 Women Who Care Foothills Chair Terri Perrin. "An additional 28 members who were unable to attend cast their votes in advance. This was our first meeting using a new advance-voting process, which has significantly increased member participation and resulted in one of our highest voting rates in recent years."

Following committee updates and networking, members heard an impact presentation from Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta, highlighting how the organization's March 2026 $10,000 donation helped complete the landscaping at their latest built project in High River. The three charities seeking funding were then invited to present their cause.

Heart-felt presentations were delivered by Inclusion Foothills and Pound Rescue. The evening took an unexpected turn when the third scheduled presenter, Sheep Creek Arts Council, withdrew its nomination without prior notice or explanation.

"Not only were we disappointed to miss the opportunity to learn more about the work being done by the Arts Council," says Perrin, "we also had to address the advance votes that had already been cast in its favour. By withdrawing at the last minute, the organization also removed an opportunity for another deserving charity to present.

"We hope this is an isolated incident and are taking steps to ensure all future charity nominees fully understand the commitment involved and the importance of the presentation process before accepting a nomination."

100 Women Who Care Foothills currently has 98 contributing members and continues to welcome new participants.

"Our goal is to become 100-plus Women Who Care in 2026," says Perrin. "The more members we have, the greater our collective impact on local charities and the communities we serve."

Membership is open to anyone aged 18 and older who identifies as a woman and lives in Foothills County, including High River, Okotoks, De Winton, Heritage Pointe, Diamond Valley, and surrounding communities.