380 Women Raise $18,700 for Historic Canadian Lodge

When 380 women each write a $100 check, something magical happens for a community in need.

The 100 Women Who Care Oceanside group gathered in January to present $18,700 to the St. Andrews Lodge Historical and Cultural Society in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia. The historic building, constructed in 1938, narrowly escaped demolition in 2020 after hundreds of locals rallied to preserve it.

The donation represents more than money. It's a lifeline for a piece of living history that connects generations of Oceanside residents to their past.

The women's group operates on a beautifully simple model. They meet four times a year, vote on a local charity, and each member contributes $100. With 380 members, a single meeting can generate up to $38,000 for organizations that need it most.

At the same January gathering, the group also supported the Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society. The dual donations showcase their commitment to both preserving cultural heritage and protecting natural ecosystems.

The St. Andrews Lodge Historical and Cultural Society formed in 2020 specifically to rescue the building from destruction. The community's passionate response transformed what could have been another lost landmark into a protected cultural treasure.

The Ripple Effect

This donation is just one wave in an ocean of generosity. The 100 Women Who Care Oceanside has now surpassed $800,000 in total charitable contributions since forming, touching everything from youth sports teams to environmental conservation.

Their model proves that collective action doesn't require massive individual sacrifice. One hundred dollars four times a year becomes thousands for organizations that operate on tight margins and big dreams.

The presence of three Qualicum Beach councillors at the check presentation, including Anne Skipsey, Jean Young, and Petronella Vander Valk, signals how deeply this group's impact resonates through local government and civil society.

These 380 women are building more than buildings and funding more than programs. They're weaving a safety net of community care that catches organizations before they fall and lifts them higher than they could climb alone.