Club Richelieu - Les Perles du Nord has been giving back to the community for three decades.
Today, the Francophone women's club celebrated its 30th anniversary. Although there will be no in-person celebrations this year, all club members will meet virtually Wednesday evening.
“Because we have a round table discussion, I was thinking of asking members to share a memorable moment of their involvement with the club over the years,” said the club’s president Sylvie Sylvestre. “It will be interesting to hear what comes out when they’re able to share with us.”
There are currently 17 members, five of whom are founding members of the club and one person who was recruited virtually in spring.
Members meet online every month.
“Even if it’s hard for everybody to get together, the club finds ways to get them involved,” said vice-president Kayla Dillon. “It’s very important for our members to meet because socially, mentally it’s a big aspect for them.”
Sylvestre has been with the group for six years, while Dillon joined 15 years ago.
For Dillon, it has been nice to be involved with events like casino nights, fashion shows and working at the bingo hall.
“There were always events throughout the years but some stand out more than the others,” she said. “And then when donations are made or when people enjoy receiving them, just the feeling to see them enjoy it and make good use of it, it’s such a great cause that it’s nice to see them receive on the other end.”
Sylvestre said Club Richelieu met her needs as she was looking for a club that would be promoting francophones. For her, it was very rewarding to be able to support the community, whether it be by providing bursaries to French-speaking youth or by donating to community organizations and causes like Timmins and District Hospital Foundation or Easter Seals Snowarama.
Back in spring, the non-profit also organized Conférence Femme Entre Elles 2020 in partnership with The Venture Centre, with almost 90 participants attending.
“What I really like about the club is that we also focus on the fulfillment of individuals in our community and that includes our members as well,” Sylvestre said. “It’s a lot of fun, it’s a good group and there’s also a social aspect of membership.”
The club also recently launched a new project and donated a total of $2,000 to two French schools. The donation will help students in need receive winter clothing.
On average, the club donates between $10,000 and $15,000 back to the community, according to the president.
“I see that we have a big impact with the francophones and with helping youth and children and their families. That’s very rewarding for me, and we’re all very grateful to the Timmins Charitable Gaming Association. They’re very generous with our fundraising activities,” Sylvestre said. “We’re going to continue to pursue our mission which is to promote francophones and to help francophone youth.”
The club is always welcoming new members.
“They can work with us to help the youth and participate in the promotion of the francophones, to collaborate with our members and share our values and objectives and develop their personal abilities and their talents,” Sylvestre said.
