Fund 130 - International Women’s Day

This series highlights the stories behind each of the 28 funds of the Deep River and District Community Foundation (DRDCF). Because We Are Women: The International Women’s Day Fund. If you’ve heard phrases like “Ever since Eve ate apples” or “Women’s work is never done,” you know how bias can shape our lives by creating barriers and limiting choices. Over time, many of us come to recognize that one of the most meaningful ways to challenge inequality is to come together, share our stories, and celebrate the diversity of women’s lives. This spirit of collective action lies at the heart of International Women’s Day (IWD) observed each year in March. Inspired by this vision, the team at Maven Catering partnered with the Deep River and District Community Foundation (DRDCF) in 2018 to create the International Women’s Day Fund (#130) to support local initiatives that advance educational, economic, social, and gender equality for women in our community. Ever since, the Deep River and area community has marked IWD with an evening of shared food, fundraising, and inspiring speakers whose stories highlight both the progress made and the work still ahead. Proceeds from this event are now split evenly between a local charitable organization—selected by the IWD Organizing Committee—and the IWD Fund, helping it to rapidly build capital. In just seven years, the Fund has grown from an initial contribution of $3,238 to an impressive $43,108.Through the DRDCF’s Spring and Fall grant cycles, the IWD Fund supports a wide range of local initiatives. These include the Deep River Queer Connection’s Pride Parade, programs offered by North Renfrew Family Services that strengthen community well-being, and recently, a TheOp performance of Love Bomb, a moving exploration of the bond between parent and child, no matter what. For the 2025 Fall Grant Cycle, the IWD Fund is supporting Scientists in School (SIS) and its Equitable STEM Enrichment Program. This initiative offers hands-on workshops in participating local schools for children and youth from kindergarten through Grade 8. Because SIS operates as a social enterprise charity, workshop fees can present a barrier for some families. With support from the IWD Fund this grant cycle, these workshops can now be offered at no cost, ensuring more young people in our community have access to engaging and inclusive STEM experiences. The 2026 Deep River and area International Women’s Day event will be held on March 4 at the Chalk River Lions Hall. Anyone interested in volunteering with the IWD Organizing Committee or at the event itself is encouraged to contact: womensdaydeepriver@hotmail.com. Tickets for the Event will be available soon! We look forward to you joining us! No matter what, we can all advance opportunities for girls and women in our community by making a charitable donation to the International Women’s Day Fund (#130) at drdcf.ca/donate, or by contacting us at info@drdcf.ca for more information.