York Region resident Lydia Udjor said she had help as she and her family acclimated to Canada in 2019.
Coming from Nigeria, Udjor said the pandemic proved to be challenging for her and other migrants to the area. But the Richmond Hill resident said it was a worker from the Catholic Community Services of York Region (CCSYR) that would help her get through it — and inspired her to want to help others in the same way.
“She really motivated me,” Udjor said. “She was always there for us … I went to school to do exactly what she was doing, through her motivation, her support.”
CCSYR is hoping to expand its services with its first-ever fundraiser Nov. 14. To be held in Newmarket, the 44-year-old organization seeks to gather more funds from the public to grow its programs aimed at empowering women in the community.
Executive director Leonlida Bastone-Patey said the organization is historically government funded. However, after strategic planning, the organization seeks to do more to help its clients, expanding programs like its women-focused business incubator.
“We wanted to embrace and surround the clients, which really meant expanding services,” she said. “The funds we generate through HER 2024 will go directly back to investing in women’s economic empowerment.”
That investment will include both the business incubator, which has had 20 women go through so far, along with workshops the organization runs. CCSYR also offers counselling, settlement services and community engagement, helping newcomers and refugees adjust to life in Canada.
The fundraising event will feature speeches, vendors, live entertainment and food at the Newmarket Old Town Hall.
“It’s about empowering small, women-led businesses to grow and connect with other women to promote their businesses,” Bastone-Patey said.
The organization hopes to raise $40,000 with the event. The event is also a way to help boost the organization’s profile, she added.
Udjor was inspired by the help she received with CCSYR, staying connected with a community throughout the pandemic. She went on to join the organization herself, working as a settlement services community navigator.
The organization needs funding to function well, and continue providing important welcoming services for those in need, Udjor said.
“They need funding to be able to put smiles on the faces,” Udjor said, adding it is especially important that families get the support they need. “The funding needs to be there for all of these functions to be carried out for individuals … Just imagine if funding was not there for such connection, it would not be good.”
The event will run Nov. 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. You can find more information and get tickets through the CCSYR website.
