04/08/2021
Dear WMAD, Friends and supportive family,
It is with mixed emotions, and after considerable thought, soul searching, I have decided to step away from my role operating Women Making a Difference effective with our April 28th Zoom gathering; it’s time for me to hand the organization over to new leadership.
WMAD began in June 2003, as a grass roots legacy project to honour my late mother Loretta Hertel. We have provided like minded women of all ages and backgrounds an opportunity to meet in a positive, reflective learning environment to share ideas, to support each other, and equally important to support our local and international sisters in need. Through the years we have successfully evolved the organization and have established a winning formula for achieving our goals and inspiring others to achieve theirs. Through our monthly gatherings we have enjoyed amazing inspirational speakers from our WMAD community as well as international speakers from Kenya, Ghana, and International Needs. We created a safe space for our WMAD community to build relationships, share their stories and make us aware of their own business offerings. Have we made a difference through the years in the lives of our women and sisters across the globe? You bet we have!
Incredibly, we have raised enough money in partnership with International Needs Canada, to fund 11 water projects in Ghana, Kenya, and Bangladesh, consisting of large scale infrastructure in some communities and wells and boreholes in others. These projects have been life changing for thousands of our international sisters, their families, and their communities. Your generosity has also enabled WMAD to supply much needed items, specific clothing, personal items, school bags, and school supplies to name a few, to further support the women and children of these remote communities. We were blessed to organize teams to travel with International Needs and experience first hand both the need and the far reaching joy and impact on these communities, resulting from our collective efforts. This cultural exchange has forever changed our lives in boundless measure. Thank you.
Locally we have been engaged with and supportive of women in need connecting with organizations such as Hiatus House, the Downtown Mission, Street Help and many more. We have provided backpacks and handbags, provided basic essentials and seasonal gifts, supported women refugees, completed many speaking engagements and work shops at area schools, churches, and community groups. With your love and endless support we have brought rays of sunshine and hope to women who find themselves in challenging circumstances through no fault of their own. Thank you.
As I write this, my mind and heart are filled with contentment from the fulfillment of many dreams and goals I have personally experienced from my journey with WMAD; life long friendships and countless rewards, from witnessing the impact of our collective efforts making a positive difference in women’s lives. I have a great feeling of comfort that this is the right time to hand the leadership over to someone within the group that will take WMAD to the next level.
I won’t get into details in this note, but suffice it to say that the foundation for the organization is strong, and that the tools for running WMAD will be made available to the person or persons who take it over including the website, social media etc. Thank you all for your support of our vision and to each other over the years. I look forward to organizing our next two Zoom calls with you on March 31st and April 28th.
If you or a small group are interested in taking over the operation of WMAD, please contact me, [email protected] and we can discuss in more detail.
Love and friendship,
Nancy Hertel-Bolton
