For Immediate Release
June 19, 2014
Calgary, Alberta – The YWCA of Calgary (YWCA) proudly announced that Erin Brockovich will be the keynote speaker at the 4th Annual YWCA WHYWHISPER Fundraising Gala held on November 20, 2014 at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre.
Erin Brockovich is a name that is synonymous with “speaking up” and “speaking out.” In 1993, despite the lack of a formal education in the law, Brockovich was the driving force behind the largest medical settlement lawsuit in history. Making her name fighting for the vulnerable, Brockovich continues to help others through her advocacy.
“It’s not every day you meet a woman with an Oscar-winning movie named after her!” says Sue Tomney, CEO of YWCA. “Erin’s inspiring story of a struggling, single mother who finds her voice and now advocates for others makes her a perfect speaker for our WHYWHISPER gala.”
Calgary Police Chief Rick Hanson is on board as the Honourary Gala Chair. Constantly in contact with the community he serves, Chief Hanson has tight ties to organizations such as the YWCA that support the city’s homeless and victims of family violence.
The annual YWCA WHYWHISPER Gala presented by Enbridge Inc. elevates the voice of vulnerable women and proceeds raised at the event go towards the YWCA emergency shelter, housing, counselling and skills programs and services. Previous keynote speakers for the event include Gloria Steinem and Naomi Judd.
Tickets for this year’s event will be available in September.
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About the YWCA of Calgary:
YWCA of Calgary is one of the largest and longest serving social service organizations in Calgary. During its 103 year history, the YWCA has touched tens of thousands of lives and adapted its programs and services to meet the changing needs of vulnerable women in the community. In 2013, through the provision of a continuum of services to more than 8,900 clients, including 2,400 children, the YWCA continued its focus on empowering women, who may be struggling with poverty, homelessness, family violence or isolation, to move from a position of vulnerability to one of sustainable strength and opportunity. For more information, visit ywcalgary.ca
For information and interview inquiries please contact:
Carla Link, Manager, Marketing and Communications, YWCA of Calgary
Phone: 403.705.5779 l Cell: 587.228.8663 l Email: clink@ywcalgary.ca
Press Release: YWCA announces Gala keynote – Erin Brockovich
