YWCA of Calgary second annual WHYWHISPER Gala a Success!

Iconic feminist Gloria Steinem and the Honourable Alison Redford spoke up and spoke out for Calgary's most vulnerable women

CALGARY, Nov. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - The YWCA of Calgary (YWCA) encouraged Calgarians to speak up and speak out for the city's most vulnerable through its WHYWHISPER Gala, presented by Vermilion Energy, held yesterday at the TELUS Convention Centre.

The YWCA hosted iconic female activist, Gloria Steinem, as the keynote speaker at the WHYWHISPER Gala. After sharing her insights into the lives of women in the 21st century she was joined, in conversation, by Alberta Premier, The Honourable Alison Redford.

Gloria Steinem became nationally recognized as a leader and spokesperson for the women's liberation movement in the late 1960's and 1970's. She helped create both New York and Ms. magazines and the National Women's Political Caucus. A prominent writer and political figure, Steinem has founded many organizations and projects and has been the recipient of countless awards and honours as well as the author of many books.

"Having Gloria Steinem as our keynote speaker for our second annual WHYWHISPER Gala, as well as Premier Redford, speaks to the importance of helping Calgary's most vulnerable women and children," said Sue Tomney, CEO of the YWCA of Calgary. "We were privileged to have such a great line-up of female advocates for this year's WHYWHISPER Gala. We are also thankful for the overwhelming support we received."

The YWCA has been speaking up and speaking out for the city's most vulnerable for the past 100 years. The 2012 WHYWHISPER Gala generated over $540,000. This will enable the YWCA to continue to intervene when and where women need the organization most; to empower women with new skills sets; and provide leadership opportunities to break the cycle of poverty, abuse, and homelessness. The ongoing goal of the YWCA is to draw attention to issues around family violence, homelessness and poverty, and to celebrate Calgarians who choose to speak up and speak out for those who have no voice.

About the YWCA of Calgary

YWCA of Calgary is one of the longest serving social service organizations in Calgary.  During its more than 100 year history, the organization has touched tens of thousands of lives and has evolved its programming to meet the changing needs of women in the community.  Although other agencies focus on women's poverty and family violence, the YWCA of Calgary also provides a continuum of services focused on moving women from a position of vulnerability to one of sustainable strength and opportunity.  The YWCA of Calgary represents one of the largest social agencies in the city, serving more than 10,000 Calgarians in 2011 alone. www.ywcaofcalgary.com

SOURCE: YWCA of Calgary

Jessica Moran
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Sophie Pilon
Brookline Public Relations, Inc.
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