HALDIMAND—100 Women Who Care Haldimand is preparing to celebrate a decade of turning individual contributions into more than $250,000 in support for charities and community organizations across Haldimand.
Co-founders Julie Richardson and Andrea Personnic established the local chapter in May 2016, bringing a charitable model already operating in communities such as Hamilton and Brantford to Haldimand.
Richardson had recently returned to Caledonia after being away for school and work and was searching for a practical way to contribute to the community. She learned about 100 Women Who Care through newspaper articles and was drawn to its straightforward approach.
“I just really liked the concept of it being a simple concept, bringing people together and being able to make a big impact,” she said.
Richardson and Personnic were connected by their mutual friend and mentor Gary Beemer. Although they had grown up in the same community and worked for Haldimand-Norfolk Health and Social Services at the same time, they worked in different divisions and had never met before.
“I can honestly say my life has changed from meeting her,” said Personnic of meeting Richardson.
The chapter’s first gathering was held at Ruthven Park in 2016, with 23 women attending and joining as members. Membership grew steadily over the following years, reaching 100 for the first time in January 2023.
Richardson said the organization has continued to hover around that number as new members join and others move away or find they can no longer make the financial commitment. The group does not have a membership cap and continues to welcome new participants.
Members meet several times each year, hear presentations from three local organizations, and vote on which one will receive the collective donation.
The chapter does not maintain its own bank account, and none of the money passes through the organizers. Instead, each member contributes directly to the selected organization, such as through online donation websites.
As of the interview, members had donated approximately $247,600. The chapter expects to surpass $250,000 during its 10th anniversary meeting at Ruthven Park on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
More than 30 organizations and initiatives have received support to date, representing causes ranging from food security, healthcare, and youth programs to accessibility, animal welfare, recreation, arts, and culture.
Recipients have included local food banks, Haldimand 4-H, the Haldimand Abilities Centre (now rebranded as HAC – Health, Activity, Community), Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge, Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice, Victim Services of Haldimand, Norfolk, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue, and Zachary’s Paws.
Organizations may return to present again two years after receiving a donation, although Richardson said relatively few have been selected more than once.
Reflecting on the past decade, Richardson highlighted the chapter’s support for Love Be’in Me, which raised money for a walking track at the Fisherville Lions Community Centre in memory of Tracy Hoskin-Hartwick. Hoskin-Hartwick, who was active in the local fitness community, died after being accidentally struck by a vehicle while running.
“It was just a really great example of the community rallying around building something that will be there and for that longer impact,” Richardson said.
Personnic highlighted donations supporting Haldimand’s two hospitals. Before joining the chapter, she said she did not fully understand how much local hospitals rely on donations to purchase equipment and support services that are not covered by government funding.
“I felt that the hospitals serve thousands of residents and provide essential healthcare, so I was happy to see our donation go to them,” Personnic said.
The organization that receives funding is invited back to the following meeting to explain how the money was used. Richardson said members have seen photographs of renovated spaces and purchased equipment, while some youth organizations have sent thank-you cards.
True Experience, for example, returned with photographs showing improvements made to its facilities. Hospital representatives have also explained how donated funds purchased equipment that allows patients and emergency department staff to receive test results more quickly.
Richardson said the presentations have shown both the range of needs in Haldimand and the commitment of the people working to address them.
“There’s lots of groups that are always open to more donations and funding, but the strength of those groups has been really impressive to see,” she said.
Personnic credited the chapter’s longevity to the commitment of its members and volunteers. Richardson also acknowledged community organizations and businesses that have provided meeting spaces at no cost, including the Caledonia Lions, Hagersville Legion, and community centres throughout the county.
The anniversary meeting will return to Ruthven Park, where the chapter began. Organizers are planning food, drinks, outdoor games, and a timeline recognizing the organization and projects supported during the past decade. For more information on this event or how to join in on this community initiative, visit 100womenwhocarehaldimand.weebly.com.
Looking ahead, Richardson hopes to sustain and grow the membership. Maintaining the current pace for another decade would bring the chapter’s lifetime donations above $500,000.
“I think just continuing to be a connector in the community, connecting people and charities, has really been the underlying driving force,” Richardson said.
