‘Opportunity to connect’: Stained glass artist hosts workshop fundraiser for YWCA Regina

WATCH: Regina women had the opportunity to create their own stained glass, while raising money for the YWCA. Sierra D’Souza Butts reports.

Women in Regina are learning how to create their own stained glass honeycombs through a workshop fundraiser held at the YWCA Regina.

On Saturday, four different workshops were offered by Kate Malagride, a local artist of The Glassy Gardener.

“I feel like the women specifically who are participating today really just seemed to want to have an opportunity to connect with each other,” she shared.

“These fundraisers give folks an opportunity to connect with spaces that they might not frequent. It’s really important to get people into the [YWCA] to check it out and know what kind of things they offer.”

The centre aims to provide support for women and families through community programs, childcare, shelter and housing, along with outreach.

The idea for the workshop transpired between one of the workers knowing Malagride personally.

“Being in the Kikaskihtanaw Centre we’re always looking for ways to bring community here. Let them know that the building is open and it’s open to the public but also be able to contribute back to our operational costs,” explained Megan Moore, YWCA’s senior director for programs.

“Working with Kate to run a fundraiser is a really great way for the community to learn some new skills, engage in the building, and see what we have to offer, while also being able to do a cool, fun fundraiser.”

With 20 per cent of the proceeds from all the workshops going back to the centre, Malagride said she was happy to be involved.

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“I think it’s probably around 580, 460 bucks. We didn’t sell out our tickets this time around, but hopefully we’re going to be doing it more regularly so people will know about it and then can keep going,” she added.

With the centre recently opening in fall 2024, Moore said the organization is always looking for new opportunities to provide to the public.

“We want to provide holistic wraparound services. The name Kikaskihtanaw means ‘a place where we all succeed,’” she explained.

“The goal is to recognize that we as an organization wouldn’t be here without community and so it is the community that really lights a fire under us.”