At 100 Women Who Care Mississauga, we often say that when women come together with purpose, generosity, and intention, incredible things happen.
On March 11, 2026, that belief turned into action.
Through the power of collective giving, our members raised $15,658 in one evening — the largest single donation in our chapter’s history — in support of ErinoakKids and their inspiring iCan Bike Program.
This is the story of what that impact truly means.
From One Evening to Lasting Impact
Our Giving Circle, hosted at the Art Gallery of Mississauga, brought together over 100 women, each committed to making a difference locally.
After hearing from three incredible charities, members voted to support ErinoakKids — an organization dedicated to helping children with disabilities and developmental challenges reach their full potential.
But what happens after the vote is just as important as the moment itself.
On April 1, some members of our 100 Women Who Care Mississauga Steering team had the honour of attending the official cheque presentation at ErinoakKids, where we saw firsthand the impact our collective donation will have.
We were welcomed by their leadership team, including Chris Hartley, and introduced to the passionate staff who bring these programs to life every day.
Grateful for everyone who was part of the morning:
💚ErinoakKids Team
- Chris Hartley, President & CEO
- Leona Hollingsworth, VP of Communications & Development
- Renae Addis, Director, Development
- Fiona D’Silva-Coelho, Manager, Development
💙100 Women Who Care Mississauga Sponsors
- Kelly Ross, Ross Professional Corporation
- Hilda Rodgers, From Overwhelmed To Organized
- Rosa Jacques, Need a Mortgage Inc.
- Anuja Pereira, Seamless Rightsizing
- Prathna Sabapathee, CEP Innovations
♥️100 Women Who Care Mississauga Steering Team Members
- Christine Hull
- Linsey Denham
- Suzie Hernandez
- Kae (Karen) Pua
- Judy Ward-Prete
- Roxanna Khoshandish
- Glynis D’Souza
What Is the iCan Bike Program?
The iCan Bike Program is a life-changing initiative designed to teach children with disabilities how to ride a conventional two-wheeled bicycle.
For many families, this milestone can feel out of reach.
This program changes that.
Children participate in a structured, multi-day camp where they:
- Use adapted bicycles tailored to their needs
- Receive 75 minutes of specialized instruction each day
- Work with trained volunteers who support and encourage them
By the end of the program, many children are able to ride independently — something that once felt impossible.
Why This Matters
Learning to ride a bike is something many of us take for granted.But for a child with disabilities, it represents so much more than just balance and coordination.
It’s:
- Confidence
- Independence
- Inclusion
- Freedom
It’s the ability to ride alongside friends. To participate in family activities. To feel a sense of accomplishment that carries into every area of life.
And for families, it’s a moment of pure joy — watching their child achieve something they once thought might never happen.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Impact
During our visit to ErinoakKids, we had the opportunity to learn more about how the funds will be used and the growing need for programs like iCan Bike.
We heard stories of children arriving on day one unsure, hesitant, and sometimes afraid — and leaving just days later riding confidently on two wheels.
We saw the dedication of staff and volunteers who are deeply committed to each child’s success.
And we were reminded that every dollar given is not just a donation — it’s an investment in a child’s future.
More Than a Moment — A Movement
What makes 100 Women Who Care Mississauga unique is not just the funds we raise, but how we raise them.
We are a 100% volunteer-run organization, funded by sponsors, which allows 100% of member donations to go directly to local charities.
Each Giving Circle is built on:
- Connection
- Community
- Collective impact
And each one builds momentum toward something even bigger.
By the Numbers
- $15,658 donated to ErinoakKids, our largest collective donation to date
- 156 Contributing Members
- 15 Giving Circles Hosted To-Date
- $190,685 Collective Donation Since
- 5 Years and Counting
This is what collective giving looks like in action.
As we look ahead, we are approaching an incredible milestone — over $200,000 in donations to Mississauga charities since our founding in 2021. We will reach that milestone in June, we hope you can join us on June 10th at our 16th Giving Circle.
Gratitude for a Community That Shows Up
To our members — thank you.
Your commitment to showing up, giving generously, and supporting local charities is what makes all of this possible.
To our sponsors and volunteers — thank you for making it possible for every dollar to go directly to organizations like ErinoakKids.
Premier Sponsors (Left to Right: TD Wealth, Need a Mortgage, Seamless RightSizing, From Overwhelmed to Organized.
Want to Be Part of This Impact?
If you’ve been looking for a meaningful way to give back locally while connecting with like-minded women, this is your invitation.
👉 Join our next Giving Circle – June 10th
👉 Become a member – Join Now
👉 Nominate a local charity
👉 Attend our next Information Session
Because when women come together like this, the impact goes far beyond one night.
It creates confidence. It creates opportunity. It creates change.
100 Women Who Care Mississauga
Giving locally. Connecting meaningfully. Creating impact together.
