Making a Difference in Canada & the World
The World-Wide Impact of the Catholic Women's League through the 1% Program
I knew that it would be a great time as 600 faithful members of the Catholic Women’s League traveled on Saskatoon for the 2024 National Convention. Development and Peace was well represented. There was Brenda Arakaza, National Council (Our Board of Director) President. There was the Secretary of National Council, Tashia Toupin. Finally, there was Joan Gauthier, Director of Philanthropic Development. For my part, my wife Julie and I made the relatively shorter trip to sit at our information table for the key days of the conference, Monday to Wednesday!
Besides a cardboard cutout of Pope Francis, we had brochures, tee-shirts, and an inflatable globe on display. Many folks stopped by to try on our shirts (haven’t got yours yet? Just give me an email or phone call and I can send one to you; they cost $25).
I was fortunate enough to listen to Brenda’s short talk on importance of the 1% program and the continuing support of CWL members. Tashia soon joined her for a turn at explaining the impact of both CWL and D&P in her life.
It was great to see so much enthusiasm on display — and it was welcomed by multiple thunderous ovations. As part of an organization that lives and works with and through its networks, it was so great to see the union between CWL and D&P celebrated and strong. I know for certain that almost every woman I meet at my workshops around Saskatchewan is a CWL member. And all day, as I sat at my table, I was greeted by women who faithfully kept up their 1% donations on both a personal and parish council level.
In the 1% Program, CWL members are encouraged to set aside 1% of all the funds they use for personal items and self-care services (clothing, hair appointments, etc.) to give to Development and Peace. As councils, they are also invited to set aside 1% of their total revenue to participate in the mission of Development and Peace.
Moreover, many of the women who stopped by (besides being leaders in their parish communities) were also monthly donors of Development and Peace, choosing to show their support on a monthly basis through our “Share Year-Round” program. Truly this is among the most faithful, effective, and convenient ways to give!
There were many meetings I was looking forward to, among them was Joan’s meeting with youth member Chibeze Philomena Ojukwu from Saskatchewan who has featured in our national monthly donation promotional material. They both did such excellent work in their respective roles in our promotional campaign — see for yourself!
It was also interesting to see old and new friends stopping by — here is a photo of Bishop Mark Hagemoen visiting with us…
…and several people were able to make their way for a small-scale D&P reception of Joan, Brenda, and Tashia, welcoming them to Saskatoon.
However the festivities were taken in, the mission and impact of the CWL was always on display. The National CWL Convention is in Toronto next year and in Halifax after that, so book your tickets early and come out in force! You certainly won’t regret all the fun that comes along with this weekend and week!
(we’ll photo shop me and the many other D&P members in at some point)