March 26, 2018

Conestoga College’s integrated marketing communications students organized fundraisers to

raise a total of $3,050 in support of the Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region, last
week. The funds will help support the organization in sheltering women and their children in
our community from violence.
As a requirement for the program’s event planning course, students were split into teams and
organized four separate fundraisers. The course is designed to give students an opportunity to
learn how to plan a successful event from start to finish using both in-class instruction and
hands-on application.
On March 19, the first group of students held the event ‘Night in the 90’s’ trivia night. The
event was held at the Gator’s Tail in Cambridge, Ont. and tickets were sold for $10. In
addition to hosting two rounds of 90’s themed trivia, the event also had a photo booth in
which attendees could make donations to take photos with props.
The second group of students organized a ‘Zumba Glow Party’ hosted at the Conestoga
College Doon campus recreation center, on March 22. Tickets for the event were sold for $5,
and included a glow in the dark Zumba class taught by a registered Zumba instructor.
Additional tickets were available for purchase for a chance to win prizes.
‘Return to the 90’s’ bingo night was also held on March 22. This 90’s themed fundraiser was
held at the Conestoga College’s Venue. Tickets were sold for $10, and included 6 rounds of
bingo and beverages. The students also sold pizza for $1 per slice to help raise additional
funds.
The last event organized by students was hosted at the Edelweiss Tavern on March 23. The
event, ‘Planting Roots of Hope’, sold tickets for $50. Tickets included a presentation from
Sheridan Gardens about container gardening and a terrarium building workshop instructed by
Just Blooms florist shop owner. Participants of the event also had the opportunity to purchase
a rose for $3 and attach a message of hope to send to a women living in the shelter.
The Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region is a not-for-profit charity, and has two
emergency shelters, Anselma House in Kitchener, Ont., and Haven House in Cambridge, Ont.
The organization also runs an outreach program. These shelters provide assistance and safety
to women and children who suffer from abuse.
The Haven house (1978), originally named the Rotary Family Centre, has served a total of 160
women and 139 children. The new facility built in 2016 holds 45 beds. The Anselma House
(1978), has served 169 women and 134 children. The newest facility built in 2011, holds a
total of 45 beds. Prior to the year 2001, the facilities operated independently until they
merged to form Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region.
For more information about the student organized fundraisers or to schedule an interview
contact:
Steve Howell, Event Planning instructor, showell@conestogac.on.ca
Kim Denstedt, IMC Program Director, kdenstedt@conestoga.on.ca