Fundraising | Nellies

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Giving Tuesday Featured Donor: Tony Roost

Posted on: December 3rd, 2013 by Nellie's No Comments

Today as part of Giving Tuesday we are featuring 2 people who have made an outstanding contribution to Nellie’s over the last year.

What is Giving Tuesday? “It is a new Canadian movement for giving and volunteering, taking place each year after Cyber Monday. The “Opening day of the giving season,” it is a day where charities, companies and individuals join together to share commitments, rally for favourite causes and think about others.”

Tony Roost has been involved with Nellie’s for the past 3 years and has brought much joy and happiness to the women and kids at Nellie’s with his artists’ collective One Fire Movement. Here is what Tony has to say about being involved with Nellie’s.

How long have you been a supporter of Nellie’s?

I did the first holiday donation drop off for One Fire Movement in 2010. After visiting other shelters the previous year I noticed how Nellie’s was very much a small grassroots type of organization. I saw how even a small contribution could make a direct impact on what they do there. From that point on I made it my mission to do more.

What or who has inspired you to give to Nellie’s?

What Nellie’s offers and the wonderful services they provide really resonated with me because I was raised by a single mom and considered her my best friend. Also I have 2 sisters and I think we need to respect and honour females in our society. My mom experienced physical violence as well as my sister. So what Nellie’s does there is very close to my heart.

What is your hope for the women and children at Nellie’s?

I hope that the women and children of Nellie’s find the safety they need as well as the strength to begin new lives happy and free. Knowing that others care enough to help and believe in them is a positive force and if we can come together to help each other then we can achieve amazing things. What Nellie’s does is amazing and the staff are some of the most warm-hearted compassionate people I have met in my life. Sometimes just knowing that others care and will be there when you need it is a beautiful thing. I wish all of the women and children of Nellie’s love and happiness. We Are One.

Join the conversation online by following the official @GivingTuesdayCA and @nelliesshelter twitter accounts and using hashtag #GivingTuesdayCA. To support the women and children at Nellie’s with a donation, please visit our Online Giving Page. All donations to our 2013 Holiday Appeal will be matched dollar for dollar up to $5000.

Giving Tuesday Featured Donor: Natasha McNulty

Posted on: December 3rd, 2013 by Nellie's No Comments

Today as part of Giving Tuesday we are featuring 2 people who have made an outstanding contribution to Nellie’s over the last year.

Natasha McNulty (left) joined Team Nellie’s at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon this year and was the top fundraiser on our team, raising over $2000! Natasha joined Nellie’s in honour of her Aunt (right), a survivor of violence. This is her story.

Who or what inspired you to give to Nellie’s?

I am the adult face of a child who endured a life of severe abuse and watched as my Aunt and cousin endured their own. My mother suffered from addiction and mental health issues as a result of a life of various sorts of abuse and unfortunately I was the object in which she took out her pain on. She has passed away a couple years ago and I had the opportunity to understand her fully and forgive her for what happened to me. She was alone. There was no place for her to go. And nobody tried to understand her.

My Aunt is a beautiful woman with a heart that is full of generosity and love and although you can see the pain she has endured due to decades of physical and mental abuse she remains stoic. I don’t really know how my cousin is. He is hard to reach. He’s quiet and doesn’t share much with many people.

I on the other hand struggled with addiction for over 20 years and am now over 2 years sober and turning 41 in December. A frightened child, an angry adult, and now I have to build a life on a new foundation with a clarity that I did not have before.

How long have you been a supporter of Nellie’s?

My best friend and I were walking in Leslieville last summer and had the opportunity to visit Nellie’s Open House. The beautiful pictures on the wall and the energy of love and compassion that the space holds are magnetic. It made me reflect back on my life, wishing I had known as a child where to go for safety, where my mom could go, my Aunt, my cousin. Where someone would embrace us and let us know that we would and could be OK in a world that seemed like everyday was a war zone.

I had received and email from Nellie’s this year that they were raising money in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon and I decided that this is what I wanted to do for my Aunt. I wanted to show her how much I loved her as she has taken over as my mom and was there for me when my mom could not be. With all her adversity and chaos she never forgot about me. So I ran for her.

It was a beautiful morning on race day and I saw the sun and the moon meet in the middle of the sky together as if to wish each other a good day. Every moment I thought about how beautiful it is to be of service and to do something that is about kindness, compassion and love. This was not how I thought nor behaved as an alcoholic and drug addict. I raised a little over $2000 and although I didn’t think it was enough, I ran to honor my Aunt, and I ran to show all of you women and children out there who are still suffering, feeling alone and abandoned, neglected and scared that although I do not know you, I love you.

What is your hope for the women and children at Nellie’s?

My hope for Nellie’s is that this beautiful place will grow and flourish and continue to be a beacon of hope and place of peace for those who need what I wished for my Aunt, my cousin, my mother and myself. That you will be taken care of, regain your self-worth, learn to love yourself, because you are worthy, you have value, that fear will no longer bind you and you will grow into the women and children you were put here to become.

So I thank you Nellie’s for allowing me to feel the joy and gratitude for even just a moment to be a part of your organization. It turns out my best friend was equally touched by our short visit to Nellie’s and she now sits as one of the board of Directors. Our lives changed because we decided to meet for a coffee.

Nellie’s Online Holiday Auction is NOW LIVE!

Posted on: November 18th, 2013 by Nellie's No Comments

For the third year in a row, we are offering our donors and supporters an opportunity to participate in our Online Holiday Auction! With items generously donated by businesses and community members, we have over 80 gifts available for you to bid on. 100% of the proceeds from the auction will go to support our programs and services for women and children who are escaping situations of violence, poverty, and homelessness.

Last year you helped us raise $5000 through our Online Holiday Auction! This year, with even more great items available, we’d like to surpass that goal. Here is a selection of 10 great items to bid on this year. To see the full selection of items available, please visit Nellie’s Marketplace.

1) Hot & Cold Hors D’Oeurve Cocktail Party for 20 from Urban Source Creative Catering. Bid here.

2) Classic Quilt from the York Heritage Quilters Guild. Bid here.

3) 2 visits to the Therapeutic Waters at Body Blitz Spa. Bid here.

4) Round-trip travel for 2 passengers between Toronto and Montreal on Via Rail Canada. Bid here.

5) Signed copy of Chef Lynn Crawford’s new book ‘At Home with Lynn Crawford. Bid here.

6) $40 Gift Certificate from Evymama Nursing and Maternity

7) $500 Gift Certificate and personalized wardrobe consultation from Brooks Brothers.

8) 2 bronze tickets to the Toronto Argonauts’ Home Opener game.

9) Signed baseball from Toronto Blue Jays player Ricky Romero.

10) Cineplex Entertainment Movie Fun Pack. Bid here.

Bidding begins today, Monday November 18th so bid early and bid often! Visit Nellie’s Marketplace NOW to get started!

2013 Holiday Appeal: Match your gift dollar for dollar

Posted on: November 15th, 2013 by Nellie's No Comments

Every year more women arrive on our doorstep – looking to escape domestic violence and abuse, looking for a better life for their children, looking for a way forward.

Women like Shelly, who came to us seven months pregnant and covered in bruises.

Supporters like you helped us bring her in out of the cold.

And thanks to this special offer, your gift will have twice its normal power to make a difference. When you make an online donation to Nellie’s by December 31st your gift will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to a total of $5000.

Please take advantage of this special gift-matching offer by clicking on this link and making a generous contribution.

Every six days in Canada a woman is murdered by her intimate partner.

Thankfully, thousands of others survive – and that’s why the need for the 36 beds at Nellie’s Shelter has never been greater.

Please know that your contribution helps transform the lives of women like Shelly. Nellie’s counts on supporters like you to provide the shelter and life-changing programs that helps families recover from violence and abuse.

And thanks to this special offer today, you have the power to double your support.

There is no greater holiday gift you could give this year! Thank you in advance for caring and for taking the time to make a difference.

Click here to respond to our Holiday Appeal.

Wanted: Team Members for a Very Important Mission!

Posted on: July 11th, 2013 by Nellie's No Comments

In 100 days, we will be returning to the start line of the Toronto Waterfront Marathon with Team Nellie’s! For the past two years, we have had the privilege of running and walking with dedicated, passionate, strong women and men in the marathon, half-marathon, and 5k challenges and we look forward to returning this Sunday October 20th.

Our cumulative fundraising total from this event, stands at $28,500 and this year we’d like to break through the $50,000 mark by raising $20,000! We know you can do it! Last year, 80% of our team members reached or surpassed their $250 fundraising goal, and 6 runners raised over $1000 each. With an easy-to-use online donations system and support from Nellie’s fundraising team, we’ll make sure you reach your fundraising goal and have fun doing it.

100% of the funds you raise will go to support the many programs and services we offer at Nellie’s. From our Summer Kids Leadership Camp to our Women Experiencing Abuse and Violence Support Group, your fundraising dollars will go straight into the work we do to support and empower women and children leaving situations of violence and abuse.

Since 1973, we have had the honour of helping to rebuild the lives of over 15,000 women and children. On Sunday October 20th, we invite you to come out and show your strength, share your courage, prove your determination, and inspire hope in the belief that every woman and child has the right to live a life that is free from violence and oppression. Challenge yourself to a marathon, half-marathon, or 5k race, and join our team as we run, walk, and wheel to end violence against women.

Toronto Waterfront Marathon Update

Posted on: September 6th, 2012 by Nellie's No Comments

With just over 1 month to go, our runners and walkers are getting ready to take on the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Half-Marathon and 5K for the second year in a row. So far we have 22 wonderful people helping us to reach our $20,000 fundraising goal, and today we would like to invite you to join them. If you have been considering participating in the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Half-Marathon or 5K, now is the time to join as the race always sells out!

We are offering a free registration to every member of our team who agrees to fundraise $250 or more. That’s a savings of up to $110! If you’re nervous about fundraising, don’t worry, our fundraising team is here to offer support and inspiration whenever you need it. All our team members will be treated to a post-race brunch buffet, and best of all, you won’t have to brave the crowds at the Direct Energy Centre to pick up your race kits – we’ll do that for you.

If running isn’t your thing, you’ll be excited to know that we have joined forces with Viva Pulse: Vivacious Women Out to Transform the World to put together a 5K walking team. Viva Pulse is an initiative of vivacious plus size women and the people that love them to support our communities and each other in transforming the lives of women in the world. Viva Pulse is currently accepting new team members to walk and raise funds for Nellie’s. As a member of the Viva Pulse 5K walking team, you will be invited to 2 walking clinics complete with health and fitness advice, stretching and walking techniques, nutritional support, and a 1-hour training walk. For more information about joining the Viva Pulse team, please contact us.

Whether you’d like to run the half marathon or walk the 5K, we would love to have you join us on October 14th as part of Team Nellie’s at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon! Together, we can make a difference in the lives of every woman and child who arrives at our doorstep, fleeing violence, poverty and homelessness. This October, cross the finish line knowing you’ve made a difference. Join Team Nellie’s today!

To join our team, call us at 416-461-0769 or e-mail info@nellies.org

This October Run & Walk to End Violence Against Women.

Posted on: April 11th, 2012 by Nellie's No Comments

It’s April, the sun is shining, the runners and walkers are out every morning and evening, and it’s time to start planning for the 2012 race season!

This year, Team Nellie’s is back with a bigger fundraising goal ($20,000) and we are looking for some new members to join us as we run and walk to End Violence Against Women.

(Anna is back for her second year running the half-marathon for Nellie’s.)

Despite the fact that the most dangerous time for a woman in an abusive relationship is right before she tries to leave, in 2011 over 167 women made the brave decision to leave their homes and come to Nellie’s in search of a brighter future. The money raised by our team members will go to support critical programs and services such as emergency shelter, counselling, support groups, educational programs, advocacy, and food access.

(Adriana running along the highway during the half-marathon.)

Last year our amazing team helped us raise over $11,000 for Nellie’s and this year we’ve almost doubled our goal to $20,000. We would love for you to join us this year! Please e-mail info@nellies.org or give us call at 416-461-0769 if you would like more information about the race. Remember, if you commit to raising $250 or more, your race entry is free!

(Team Member Pedro enjoying the taste of victory at the end of the half-marathon!)

For the most up-to-date information about Team Nellie’s at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, please visit our Charity Challenge Facebook page here or follow us on twitter here.

YOU DID IT! A new boiler for Nellie’s Shelter is on its way!

Posted on: December 22nd, 2011 by Nellie's No Comments

Thank you for your incredible response to our urgent appeal
for a new boiler for Nellie’s Shelter!

In less than a day, our incredible community of donors have collectively raised over $12,000 we needed for a new boiler at Nellie’s Shelter!

Thank you to everyone who shared our appeal by twitter, facebook,
blogs, and e-mail.

We are very pleased to report that a new boiler is already
on its way to the shelter!

Thanks to you, the residents of Nellie’s will sleep safe, sound, and warm
tonight and through the winter.

On behalf of everyone at Nellie’s Shelter, thank you for opening up your hearts and truly giving a “Home for the Holidays” for the
women and children in our care.

~Margarita Mendez, Nellie’s Executive Director~

“Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.” – Janice Maeditere

Nellie’s Holiday Auction is Online Today!

Posted on: November 18th, 2011 by Nellie's No Comments

This holiday season, give a gift with extra meaning…

Today we are so excited to announce that Nellie’s Holiday Auction is LIVE and ONLINE at Nellie’s Marketplace Website. This inaugural online fundriasing event is being held to raise funds for the women and children at Nellie’s who will be with us over the holidays.

The support we have received from business owners in our community has been fantastic and we are pleased to offer many great items such as spa packages, dinners, gift certificates, vacations, household items, and much more!

Know someone who loves coffee? Why not purchase a $25 Gift Certificate from Lit Espresso Bar, one of Toronto’s most talked-about new coffee shops. Want to surprise your special someone with some time away from the city? How about a 1-night stay at the Marmora Inn. Trying to shop for the fashionistas in your family – a $1000 family wardrobe from Brooks Brothers would be perfect!

Have the gifts you give this holiday season come with extra meaning by purchasing them from Nellie’s Marketplace. 100% of the proceeds from our online auction will go to the women and children at Nellie’s who are beginning new lives, free from violence and abuse.

In addition to our Marketplace Website, we will be featuring our items on twitter so please follow us @nelliesshelter for up to date information, and maybe even a few bidding wars. Our auction is online until December 16th so bid high and bid often!

We hope you find the perfect gift for your loved ones at Nellie’s Holiday Auction.

Thank you x 3!

Posted on: October 26th, 2011 by Nellie's No Comments

We had a great time at Take a Walk on the Riverside this weekend!

Thank you to everyone who came out to our Rummage Sale and helped us raise $344 for the The United Way Toronto!

Thank you to Nell Bradshaw and Natasha Varjacic from Real Estate Homeward Brokerage for hosting a Charity BBQ for Nellie’s and raising $356

On Sunday we had the pleasure of attending the 5th Annual Dirty Dishes Bakesale and Jamboree for Nellie’s! Thank you to everyone who came out to the Tranzac Club and helped the Dirty Dishes raise $739 for the women and children at Nellie’s!

COMING UP: This weekend Source Centre TO and the Ontario Network Chiropractors will be at the Zoomer Show and they’ll be offering spinal and posture checks, with proceeds going to Nellie’s. We will be giving away a free pass for 2 to the show on October 28th on twitter. Follow us here for your chance to win!