100 Women Who Care Foothills met with Rowan House in the Okotoks Old Towne Plaza last week to present their latest cheque.

They managed to raise $12,300 this time around, which will be contributing to Rowan House's Preventative Education Program.

100 Women Who Care Foothills meet four times a year, with members nominating local non-profits to receive the donation for that quarter. They then vote on the recipient.

Each member contributes $100, though members aren't penalized for missing donations, and others often donate well over $100.

Kelly Smit, 1o0 Women Member and Resource Development Lead at Rowan House nominated the emergency shelter this time around.

When talking about why she chose Rowan house, their wide range of service was one of the main reasons she spoke of (Rowan House's prevention program alone covers Foothills County, Willow Creek MD, and Vulcan County.)

The program mainly sees the organization visiting schools to talk about a wide range of topics including red flags, bullying, boundaries, and respect.

This past May, they presented in 20 schools, serving over 400 students, and have presented in 17 schools in June so far.

Receiving the donation were Rowan House's Executive Director Linette Soldan and Resource Development Coordinator Sarah Davis

Presentations are tailored to the school and grade's specific needs, says Soldan.

"We are very specific about the grades we're supporting. We connect with the schools and see what their needs are and from there, we partner with them and provide some support through those."

She says it's not just for students either, with teachers and parents among those who benefit from the program.

"Through the prevention program, we also provide healthy relationship groups. We just finished one here in Okotoks and we're moving to High River. Those are groups that we provide about healthy relationships,. and that's for adults to also be able to access."

When asked if she was nervous while making the presentation to her fellow 100 Women members, Smit didn't hesitate.

"You look out and see familiar faces and friendly faces that are all here for the same goal, and the goal is to help serve the community, so that makes it an easy connection to make, and a worthwhile one."