My goodness, two Tuesdays this month, without my Rotary family (that and the best breakfast I eat on a weekday, don't get me started that hot chocolate either...mmm). Anyway, I hope everyone survived all the rain we had prior to Easter and we're secretly thankful all the rain dried up before the eggs were hidden outside. 

 

This week I'm proud to introduce two amazing women making an impact in our community every time they get together (with 100+ of their neighbours). 

 

Quinn O'Hara Lassaline and Rachel Raspburg are co-leaders of the 100+ Women Who Care Chatham-Kent.  Both ladies graduated from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at McMaster University. Rachel has primarily worked in Emergency Nursing, and Quinn started out at Camp Trillium, before moving on to the Burn/Plastics and ENT/Urology departments at LHSC. Quinn recently left the Emergency Department at CKHA, for the Recovery Room. 

 

Both are C-K natives who came back to C-K to raise their families, who between the two of them, have 7 children! This is what each had to say about growing up in Chatham-Kent:

 

Rachel: Chatham has always been home to me and I loved growing up here. I have fond memories with friends and family in a community that felt safe and nurturing. I grew up knowing that I had always wanted to live here and raise my family so that my children can also be a part of a community that is welcoming and generous. There is a lot here to enjoy - events, waterways, beaches, easy travel along the 401, and "Pheasant" Fest - our annual street party that pulls together our neighbourhood!

 

Quinn: I really enjoyed growing up in Chatham, it is hard to pick what I enjoyed most. I have happy memories of playing road hockey/biking/swimming all summer long with my neighbours and having many opportunities for different experiences while being supported by amazing family, friends, teachers and coaches. I appreciate my husband recognizing how great it is to raise our children in Chatham-Kent (he is from Essex County), having my parents so close to my kiddos, and being able to provide those same opportunities (and more!) to my children that I had growing up makes living here and raising my children here special.

 

The 100+ Women Who Care movement was started by Karen Dunigan in 2006 in Jackson, Michigan. "The rules at the quarterly meetings were simple, any member could present a need in the community, the need had to be immediate and the money had to remain local. The idea was that a worthy cause benefits many in the community." 

 

The first inaugural meeting in C-K was held on August 24th, 2016 with Chatham-Kent Children's Services being selected as the recipient. 

 

Since then, some of the lucky beneficiaries have included the Alzheimer Society, Chatham-Kent Children's Safety Village, Scouts Canada - Camp Cataraqui, Hope Haven, and Chatham-Kent Goodfellows. 

 

Women are required to commit $400 for one year ($100 quarterly), which makes them eligible to nominate charities as potential recipients. Three charities are drawn at each meeting, and then presented on by a nominee. Majority rules, and each member then writes a cheque directly to the lucky charity! Any charities not selected, will remain eligible for selection as long as the nominee remains a committed member. 

 

In addition to her leadership with 100+ Women Who Care, Rachel is a co-coordinator for the local 100+ Kids Who Care chapter. 3 of her children are currently involved, and one of them presented at their inaugural meeting and won the group's vote to donate to the Friends of the New Animal Shelter.