100 Men Who Care revitalized
The best thing about 100 Men Who Care, according to a member of the organizing committee, is the knowledge that you’re making a real difference in your community.
“It gives an opportunity to give back locally, it requires minimal time and the monetary commitment is manageable,” says John Kutcy.
Inspired by the work of 100 Women Who Care, Toronto, the Southern Georgian Bay group was formed in 2017, but became inactive during the pandemic.
Kutcy is one of a steering committee of seven who decided to reinvigorate the local chapter. Late last year, organizers reached out to all the members who had been active pre-pandemic. They had 65 responses from men who were interested in coming back. A full membership meeting was held in May and the group now numbers 110. They hope to see that grow to about 200 members within the next year.
The group meets four times per year with each member pledging $100 per meeting. Three local causes are profiled at each meeting and members vote to determine which group receives the donated funds.
Kutcy says in order to be considered, a group must be doing work which benefits the local community, and must be capable of issuing charitable receipts. The Collingwood Mobile Soup Kitchen was the recipient of a nearly $10,000 donation following the September meeting. The Soup Kitchen is a new venture and has not yet received Charitable Organization status but through a partnership with Elephant Thoughts and the Environment Network, they were able to satisfy this requirement.
Kutcy says through the funding pitches, members learn about things going on in the community, and even if a group is not chosen to receive the group donation, members may choose to donate privately. In May, the group donated $8,650 to My Friend’s House, a shelter for women and children.
100 Men Who Care has a list of 50-60 community groups from the Creemore, Collingwood, Wasaga Beach and Meaford areas that are on the radar for future donations. Any groups which feel they meet the criteria for inclusion can reach out via 100menwhocaresgb.ca.
A list of the three charities shortlisted for the November meeting will be circulated to members this week in preparation for the next meeting scheduled for Nov. 22, at the Collingwood Legion, beginning at 7 p.m. Prospective members are welcome to attend as guests.
Contributed photo: A cheque presentation to the Collingwood Mobile Soup Kitchen (CMSK), by members of the 100 Men Who Care, Southern Georgian Bay (100MWC SGB) leadership team, from left, Helmut Mayer, (100MWC SGB), Jason Smith, (CMSK), David Trafford, (100MWC SGB), Rhonda Day, (CMSK), David Green, (100MWC SGB), John Kutcy, (100MWC SGB) and Ian Campbell (100MWC SGB).
