Today (Thurs) on National Philanthropy Day, the YWCA Saskatoon has announced that its Hope Lives Here campaign has reached the goal of raising $19 million, thanks to a $1 million gift from Tim Gitzel and family. Tim Gitzel is the President and CEO of Cameco.

The funds are going to expansion and renovation of the YWCA on 25th Street. It means being able to increase the number of available Crisis Shelter and Residence second-stage housing beds. The project includes a 75-bed expansion to the existing building, more than doubling the YWCA’s capacity to provide a safe space for vulnerable women and children. The 35 new units have space for women to stay along with their children as they rebuild their lives.

The project also includes repairing and renovating the current shelter and facility, including a new roof, and expanding the Employment and Learning Centre. Under the Rapid Housing Initiative, the Government of Canada invested $6.7 million, the province provided $1.95 million, and the City of Saskatoon allocated $670,000.
A news release from YWCA Saskatoon says the Crisis Shelter & Residence is always full.

In 2023, they turned away 5,297 women, youth and children. The second-stage housing wing is expected to be complete in February of next year. The YWCA thanks donors and volunteers who helped in this historic fundraising campaign.