YWCA Halifax celebrates 140 years
Posted Mar 12, 2015 08:08:48 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The YWCA in Halifax is marking 140 years of providing services to young girls in women in the city.
Executive director Mia Suokonautio told News 95.7, tonight’s anniversary celebration is a community event and everybody is welcome.
The organization was founded in 1874 as a residence for 42 young women and girls and a number of things are planned for the two hour event.
“Some historical tidbits, information and story boards,” she said. “Laurel Broten who is the new president and CEO of the Nova Scotia Business Inc., as well as a past program participant, will be our keynote speaker.”
She said the event gives community members the chance to connect with one another and speak to staff.
Suokonautio said the services provided by the association have always been on the cutting edge.
“We had computer training for women already in the early 80s, when that was really just breaking onto the scene,” she said.
Suokonautio added, another way the organization assists the community is through a child care centre they opened a few years ago.
She said it runs at 98 per cent capacity, and it’s an important service for single moms.
“Providing affordable quality child care, so that women can participate in work, so they can participate in their community, so they can get ahead in their life,” said Suokonautio.
YWCA Halifax is one of 33 member associations operating within YWCA Canada, which is the country’s oldest and largest women’s multi-service organization.
Tonight’s event gets underway at 6:30 p.m. at the World Trade and Convention Centre.
