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YWCA CAMBRIDGE UPDATES
OCTOBER 2025
Your bi-monthly pulse on programs, events and inspiration with YWCA Cambridge.
In This Issue:
Greetings from Kim
👠 We Rocked Our Goal! Walk a Mile 2025 Was One for the Books
YWCA in the News
Finding Joy and Connection at the YWCA Shelter
✊ Take Back the Night & The W Feminist Night Market Recap
SHYFT: Collective Voices Art Project — Community Nights Begin This Month!
After School SHYFT Program at The W This Fall!
Exciting Progress on the New Southwest Galt School & Child Care Centre!
Family Information Night at St. Elizabeth a Great Success!
Early Years Mentorship Symposium Inspires Our Team
🧘♀️ Soulful September Raises $1,736 for the Shelter
❣️Thank You For Your Generosity
🎁 Festive Futures: Give the Gift of Choice This Holiday Season
Giving Tuesday: A Day to Give Back, Lift Up, and Create Change
📣 Fair Funding for Nonprofits Launch – October 22
Greetings, and welcome to the latest edition of the YWCA Cambridge newsletter.
I’m proud to share the inspiring work happening across our organization and community. Scrolling through this edition, you'll see the sheer power of community in action, from the vibrant energy of Walk a Mile in Their Shoes 2025, which raised over $12,000 to support violence prevention and emergency shelter, to the vital support offered daily at our women's emergency homeless shelter, and the empowering youth-led initiatives like Take Back the Night and the new SHYFT: Collective Voices Art Project. Every story here is a testament to what we can achieve when we work toward a more equitable and safer Cambridge.
While we celebrate these successes, I also want to take a moment to address a deeply concerning recent event. You may have heard about the recent cancellation of a 2SLGBTQ+-led event after the Waterloo Regional Police Service received a tip-off regarding threats of disruptions targeting 2SLGBTQ+ events. While details about the situation remain unclear, this incident is a reminder that the fight for safety, respect, and equity is far from over for many in our community.
At YWCA Cambridge, we reaffirm our unwavering belief in the right of every person to live as their authentic selves, free from violence and discrimination. This is not a negotiable right—it is a fundamental human right. Our work, across all programs and services, is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and empowered.
We will continue to champion an inclusive community where everyone feels they belong.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the YWCA Cambridge. Whether you walked a mile, donated to the shelter, or are simply keeping up with our newsletters, your generosity and care make this work possible.
I encourage you to read on to learn more about the positive change you are helping to create and how you can continue to get involved.
Sincerely,
Kim Decker, CEO
👠 We Rocked Our Goal! Walk a Mile 2025 Was One for the Books
What. A. Day! On October 18, downtown Cambridge came alive with red shoes, music, laughter, and community spirit for Walk a Mile in Their Shoes 2025! Together, we raised over $12,000 to support YWCA Cambridge’s programs that help build a community free from violence.
The energy was electric as teams, families, and local businesses gathered at Civic Square to lace up, cheer, and dance their way through downtown. From the incredible KW Breakers performance, to the Wild Heart Yoga stretch and Cambridge Sobey’s lunch, the smiling faces along the route were a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we walk together. Thank you to our other sponsors, Pavey Law, Corus Radio’s 91.5 The Beat and Swifty Print!
Every step made an impact, supporting emergency shelter services, violence prevention, and gender equity education in local schools and communities.
Thank you to every walker, donor, supporter, and volunteer who made this event unforgettable. You showed what community in action looks like - and how fun it can be!
There’s always something happening at YWCA Cambridge’s Women’s Emergency Homeless Shelter, from shared puzzles and painting sessions to cups of coffee sparking conversation and laughter. Along with the heavy work of battling the housing crisis, these small moments are the heartbeat of our shelter, helping women find connection, confidence, and community.
Check out our latest blog post to see how creativity, care, and community are coming together inside our shelter:
As we continue our search for a permanent shelter location, we remain focused on supporting residents and nurturing our community. In the weeks ahead, we’re excited to host a flu shot clinic for staff and residents, a visit from Halo Salon, offering five complimentary hair appointments for shelter residents, and new Chair Yoga sessions to support mindfulness and self-care.
To everyone who has supported our shelter — through donations, partnerships, or encouragement — thank you. You are part of this story of hope, belonging, and connection.
✊ Take Back the Night & The W Feminist Night Market Recap
On September 18, YWCA Cambridge’s programming space, The W, hosted a powerful youth-led Take Back the Night march, reminding us of the strength of survivors, the importance of community, and the power of raising our voices together.
This year’s event featured:
Seven community organization info booths
Youth-led interactive activities
A rally with four speakers highlighting perspectives on sexual and gender-based violence
A spoken word performance
The W Feminist Night Market also had a triumphant return, giving attendees the chance to support local artists, makers, and small businesses while connecting to YWCA Cambridge prevention programming. Two vendors were also past participants of Small Steps to Success, creating extra meaningful connections to our cause!
A heartfelt thank you goes out to The W team for coordinating the event, engaging youth volunteers, and bringing the community together.
From the signs, stories, and shared experiences, it’s clear: this movement continues to grow because of you. Together, we are stronger. Together, we will end gender-based violence.
SHYFT: Collective Voices Art Project — Community Nights Begin This Month!
We’re excited to launch Community Nights at The W — a space where youth, families, and community members come together to connect through art, creativity, and conversation.
Join us for Community Nights, a series of youth-led events exploring issues that matter to young people in Cambridge. Through hands-on art projects, craft and conversation circles, and skill-sharing activities, we’ll celebrate youth voices and build stronger community connections.
Art created during the program may be shared through window displays, art galas, and more — showcasing the creativity and perspectives of our community.
✨Open Art Studio Bring a craft you’re working on or start something new! All materials (and snacks!) are provided.
🖍️ Who: Open to youth of all genders, ages 8–18. Youth ages 8–14 must attend with an adult (parent, grandparent, caregiver, older sibling, etc.)
📍 Where: 101–20 Dickson St
✉️ To register: email thew@ywcacambridge.ca
Come create, connect, and be inspired — we can’t wait to see what we build together!
After School SHYFT Program at The W This Fall!
Starting November 4, join us for SHYFT, an after-school program designed for girls and gender-diverse youth in grades 7 and 8. SHYFT is all about creativity, connection, and confidence — a space where youth can explore who they are and the world around them through hands-on, arts-based activities.
Each week, we’ll dive into media arts projects, critical thinking activities, and creative collaborations that help build new skills and spark meaningful conversations. SHYFT offers a safer, welcoming environment where youth can express themselves freely and make lasting connections with peers.
📅 When: Tuesdays, 3:30–5:00 p.m. (starting November 4)
📍 Where: The W — 101–20 Dickson St, Cambridge
✉️ To register: Call 519-622-9960 or email thew@ywcacambridge.ca
Come create, connect, and “SHYFT” your perspective this fall!
Exciting Progress on the New Southwest Galt School & Child Care Centre!
Things are moving right along with the new Southwest Galt school and child care project! Over the past month, Director and Assistant Director of Child Care Services at YWCA, Kristina and Shelby, had the opportunity to attend two exciting meetings — including a walk-through of the construction site to see the progress firsthand, and the first community drop-in meeting focused on setting the school’s future boundaries.
There’s still lots more to come
as planning
continues, and we’re thrilled to see everything taking shape. We remain
optimistic that the project will stay on schedule, with hopes to officially open our doors in September 2026.
Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting new chapter unfolds!
Early Years Mentorship Symposium Inspires Our Team
This year, almost all of our child care supervisors had the opportunity to attend the Early Years Mentorship Symposium — and it was a huge success! The event offered valuable insights and practical takeaways on how to effectively mentor new staff and students in our programs.
Our team left feeling inspired and energized, with fresh ideas for future training and professional growth. It was a great reminder of the importance of mentorship in building strong, supportive teams across our child care programs.
Family Information Night at St. Elizabeth a Great Success!
We recently hosted an Information Night at St. Elizabeth, where professionals from our local community resource hub joined us to share valuable information with families about the many supports available for children. Guests included resource consultants, speech and language specialists, occupational therapists, and many more dedicated professionals.
The evening was both informative and engaging, with a wonderful turnout of families who had the opportunity to socialize, ask questions, and connect with community experts.
COMMUNITY GRATITUDE & PHILANTHROPY
🧘♀️ Soulful September Raises $1,736 for the Shelter
Earlier this month, community members gathered in Soper Park for Soulful September, a community-led yoga event hosted by local realtor Mags Springle of the Springle Team. The event featured a 60-minute yoga session, live music, a sound bath and vendor market, plus raffle prizes—all in support of YWCA Cambridge’s new women’s emergency homeless shelter.
Thanks to the incredible turnout, the event raised $1,736 to support women experiencing homelessness in Cambridge. These funds will go directly toward providing essentials that our operating funding doesn’t cover, like welcome packages, personal care items, seasonal needs, and programming supplies.
We are deeply grateful to Mags and all who joined Soulful September for their generosity and commitment to helping create safe, supportive spaces for women.
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Thinking of hosting your own third party fundraiser? Or looking to get your company more involved? Let’s talk about how a strategic philanthropic approach can boost morale and create positive business sentiment in our community!
91.5 The Beat x Corus Boost Program: After our Women of Distinction Awards on June 11, Our MC, Kat from 91.5 The Beat, nominated the event for Corus’ Boost Program — and we won! This recognition came with a $250 donation in support of YWCA Cambridge.
Co-operators Clothing Drive: From October 20 to November 7, Co-operators is hosting a clothing drive benefiting Small Steps to Success. For those unable to donate clothing, they’ve also created a direct donation link to make giving even easier.
Mark’s Work Warehouse: We received four boxes and one bag filled with clothing and footwear — including brand-new jeans and new running shoes — to help women and families in our programs.
United Way x Shoppers Drug Mart: Through a community partnership, we received a generous donation of menstrual hygiene products, ensuring women in our programs have access to essential care items.
Kindred Spirits at Knox United Church: This incredible group of women donated over 150 pairs of underwear, bras and pajamas to our women's emergency homeless shelter.
SAVE THE DATE! Wild Heart Yoga Clothing Swap: On Sunday November 2, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., Wild Heart Yoga is hosting a clothing swap with proceeds from the event going to YWCA Cambridge!
🎁 Festive Futures: Give the Gift of Choice This Holiday Season
YWCA Cambridge is proud to launch Festive Futures, our annual holiday giving campaign. This initiative helps make the season a little brighter for women who have participated in our Small Steps to Success program and – for the first time this year – for women staying in our emergency shelter.
Festive Futures is simple but powerful: we’re collecting gift cards in denominations of $25, $50, or $100 from local stores like Walmart, Giant Tiger, Dollarama, grocery stores, Tim Hortons, McDonald’s, and Shoppers Drug Mart.
A gift card may seem small, but it offers choice. It means someone can pick out a warm winter coat, a toy for their child, a special holiday meal, or even just a cup of coffee shared with a friend. It’s independence and kindness wrapped into one meaningful gesture.
Giving Tuesday: A Day to Give Back, Lift Up, and Create Change
Every year, after the rush of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, there’s a day that reminds us what really matters: Giving Tuesday.
On December 2, people around the world will come together to celebrate generosity, kindness, and community by giving back. Giving Tuesday is a movement built on the idea that small acts of giving can create big waves of change.
At YWCA Cambridge, Giving Tuesday marks the start of our end-of-year campaign supporting our women’s emergency homeless shelter.
2026 will be a big year as we expand our work in women’s homelessness. Your support helps ensure that when someone needs a place to turn, YWCA Cambridge is there.
✨ Stay tuned for more details on how you can be part of this global day of giving and make a difference right here at home.
ADVOCACY & ACTION
📣 Fair Funding for Nonprofits Launch – October 22
Fair Funding for Nonprofits officially launched on October 22, 2025!
Communities are facing urgent challenges, from housing and health to climate and affordability. But outdated federal funding models are holding back the organizations working hardest to respond. That’s why Imagine Canada has convened Fair Funding for Nonprofits, a powerful new coalition advocating for a more equitable and effective federal funding system that enables nonprofits to better serve their communities and address root causes of some of society’s biggest and most complex challenges
Every action you take—big or small—helps us build a community where women, girls and gender-diverse individuals are respected, valued and equal. Here’s how you can make a difference today:
💛 Donate: Help us to provide safe shelter, empowering women’s and youth programs, and to be a strong voice for gender equity.
🔁 Become a Monthly Donor: Join a community of changemakers fueling sustainable impact all year long.
🎟️ Attend an Event: From Women of Distinction to community workshops and fundraisers, your presence matters.
🎉 Host a Fundraiser: Celebrate a birthday, milestone or community event by fundraising in support of our programs.
🤝 Volunteer Your Time: From events to special projects, we welcome community support.
Stay Connected
There are so many ways to stay in the loop and be part of the YWCA Cambridge community? Be sure to follow us on social media for real-time updates, stories and opportunities.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more equitable Cambridge—thank you for being part of it.
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