Powell Place to be rebuilt with double the beds as donors recognize need and give generously

Fundraising campaign reaches its goal; $4.3 million now in place

VANCOUVER, Dec. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - More vulnerable women will soon be able to find safety and life-changing opportunity now that generous donors and funders have given their overwhelming support to rebuild Powell Place emergency women's shelter.

In the spirit of holiday giving, local donors stepped up and gave generously to the campaign led by philanthropist Cindy Beedie, whose family has pledged $375,000 in matching gifts. In six weeks, more than $750,000 was raised with Cindy's fundraising efforts.

"I am touched by the overwhelming support shown to this project from the community", says Cindy.  "We couldn't accomplish this without the support of the community and this shows that the women of the Downtwon Eastside are cared about and valued."

An expanded Powell Place, targeted to be complete in early 2014, will double the shelter's current capacity from 26 to 52 beds and will help as many as 300 of Vancouver's most vulnerable women annually. The project will help women access healthcare, counseling and permanent housing.

"What a wonderful holiday gift to the women of Vancouver," says Trudi Shymka, St. James women's services director. "Being able to expand Powell Place is a dream come true for those of us who see every day how much need is out there."

St. James Community Service Society, which runs Powell Place, wishes to thank government funders BC Housing and the City of Vancouver who have pledged support.

Private donors contributed the final $1 million in the private contribution campaign. The efforts of Cindy and Ryan Beedie were crucial to raising the last $750,000 of the total. St. James thanks all private donors, including early supporters like St. Mary's Kerrisdale Anglican Church, Rudy and Patricia North, Central City Foundation and Face the World Foundation. Appreciation also goes to Todd Yuen, Vice President, Industrial Development with the Beedie Group, for his tremendous support of the Powell Place fundraising team.

The women Powell Place serves struggle with poverty, addictions, mental health issues and the effects of acute and systemic violence and abuse. At Powell Place, women receive a safe place to stay and access to the support they need to move forward in their lives, whether that means moving into permanent housing, treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, or help to access education or family mediation services.

Donations are still being gratefully accepted to expand Powell Place. To donate online, the public can go to http://expandpowellplace.com/donate-3/. For alternative ways to donate, or for more information, please call 604-606-0356.

SOURCE: St. James Community Service Society

For interviews with Cindy Beedie or Trudi Shymka, or for further information, please contact:

Vicky Noble
Communications Specialist
St. James Community Service Society
778-869-5781

To learn more about Powell Place and the capital campaign go to www.expandpowellplace.com.