about us
YWCA Toronto is the city’s largest multi-service organization by, for and about women and girls. We help women achieve equality, economic independence and lives free from violence in our four program areas: housing and support, employment and skills development, girls’ and family programs, and advocacy.
The YWCA December 6 Fund is a non-interest-bearing loan for women leaving violent homes in the GTA and the region of Peel. Established in 1994 to commemorate the 14 women murdered at Montreal’s L’École Polytechnique on Dec 6, 1989, the fund helps women and their children to establish themselves in greater safety. Our mission is to work with women to assist them in making the transition from abusive situations to greater safety and self-reliance. We do this by raising money to make loans available to women leaving abusive situations and raising public awareness by conducting public education about violence against women.
The YWCA December 6 Fund helps women fleeing abuse to build a bridge between dependence and independence. Loans are used for items necessary in transition such as: rent deposits, moving expenses, document replacement, deposits for hydro or telephone, and household essentials like beds. Once a woman has repaid her loan, the money is used to help another woman in need.
