YWCA Edmonton

10/08/2026

Introducing the next story in “What’s Your ‘Y’?”: a series where we ask the people behind YWCA Edmonton one question: Why?

Why this work and what keeps you showing up?

For Robyn, her “Y” is rooted in one belief: social change demands action. Having always worked in the not-for-profit sector, Robyn is passionate about being part of work that creates meaningful change. Today, she supports YWCA Edmonton’s Fund Development team as an Administrative Assistant, helping behind the scenes to move that work forward.

Thank you, Robyn!

10/07/2026

More than 100 volunteers and two incredible days later…

On September 22 and 23, the Daytona Homes Edmonton team came together at Camp Yowochas for Daytona Cares Days, donating their time, skills, and expertise to take on some major projects across camp.

From rebuilding nine outhouses and 10 custom bunk beds, to improving our change rooms and boathouse, deep cleaning camp spaces, and so much more, their impact can be felt all across the property.

But these projects are about so much more than buildings and maintenance.

By helping us care for and improve these spaces, Daytona is helping create a safer, more welcoming, and better-equipped camp while allowing us to focus more of our resources on creating meaningful experiences and keeping camp affordable for families.

To every Daytona volunteer who rolled up their sleeves and made this possible, thank you. Your impact at Camp Yowochas will be felt for years to come!

10/01/2026

09/30/2026

What does reconciliation mean to you, and how will you carry it forward?

In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we asked members of our YWCA Edmonton team to reflect on what this day means to them and the actions they can take to continue learning, listening, and contributing to reconciliation.

Their reflections speak to something we share deeply as a team: a commitment to learning, strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities, and understanding the role each of us has in moving reconciliation forward.

We honour residential school Survivors, their families and communities, and remember the children who never returned home.

We also recognize that reconciliation extends far beyond September 30. At YWCA Edmonton, our Reconciliation Action Plan guides how we listen, learn, strengthen relationships and take responsibility in our work alongside Indigenous partners.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan and additional Truth and Reconciliation resources can be found through the link in our bio.

09/28/2026

A weekend to unplug, try something new, make new friends and build confidence along the way. 🏕️

From October 24–26, girls and gender-diverse youth ages 10-14 are invited to YWCA Edmonton’s YOUth Retreat at Camp Yowochas for a weekend of camp favourites, new friendships and interactive workshops designed to build confidence, creativity and real-world skills.

From paddling and archery to karaoke and campfires, campers will have plenty of opportunities to explore, connect and have fun. 💛 They’ll also take part in workshops on finding their voice, discovering their strengths and entrepreneurship, led by:

Jessi from @‌janorthab
Kristyn from @‌7summitssnacks
Veronica from @‌projectfive.ca
Shannon Armstrong

The entire weekend is just $100 and includes two nights of accommodation, all meals, activities and round-trip transportation from Westmount Mall.

Only 7 spots remain! Fee subsidies are available, and registration closes October 16.

Register through the link in our bio. 🔗

09/24/2026

Last Friday, Camp Yowochas was buzzing with community spirit as many incredible volunteers came together to give back, get outdoors, and show Camp some love!

We had the pleasure of welcoming 30 corporate volunteers from IKEA Canada, Alberta Investment Management Corporation, RBC and Parkland County FCSS for a day of teamwork, fun and giving back, tackling projects like mulching, FireSmarting and clearing deadfall to help keep Camp Yowochas safe and ready for future adventures. 🌿

A HUGE thank you to every volunteer who rolled up their sleeves and spent their Friday giving back to Camp. We are so grateful to these incredible organizations and their teams for sharing their time, energy and helping hands with us! 💚

09/22/2026

It’s Gender Equality Week across Canada, a time to highlight the progress made toward gender equality, celebrate women’s achievements, and recognize the persistent gender gaps that still hold too many people back.

YWCA Edmonton is part of a national feminist movement, and our collective work toward gender equality is far from finished. Here are a few reasons why:

• Alberta has the largest gender pay gap in Canada.
• Women remain underrepresented in decision-making and leadership roles.
• Gender-based violence continues to disproportionately affect women, girls, and gender-diverse people.

When a woman has her own financial security, she has more freedom to make her own choices, resist control, and walk away when she needs to. When women have a seat at the table, making money decisions about companies, governments, and communities, we all benefit. When women are safe from violence, we build stronger communities and improve health and economic outcomes for everyone.

Together, we can work toward a safer, more equitable future.

09/18/2026

Happy Friday, you know what that means. Another Friday Find, uncovered by our Summer Archivist Coordinator, Kayla!

This week, we’re learning more about Hazel McCuaig, daughter of University of Alberta founder A.C. Rutherford and an important figure in the history of YWCA Edmonton.

As a young adult, Hazel trained as a nurse at Wellesley Hospital in Toronto while her brother and future spouse fought in the Great War. She later returned to Edmonton, where she worked as a banker and volunteered with the Red Cross.

Hazel joined the YWCA Edmonton Board of Directors in 1932 and was appointed Assistant Treasurer the following year. She was also involved with several community organizations, including the Women’s Canadian Club.

While digging through the archives, Kayla uncovered an interesting connection in a group photo featuring Hazel alongside another familiar name from the YWCA Board: Louise Johnson, referred to in the records as Mrs. Horace Johnson.

Tune in next week for another Friday Find from the YWCA Edmonton archives.