Celebrating 115 Years of
Helping Calgarians in Need
In 2025 it will be 115 years since Lenora Woods and her friends borrowed a horse and wagon to travel the streets of 1910 Calgary collecting rags and rummage donations to turn into cash to help ‘distressed gentlewomen’. Known then as ‘The Young Women’s Benevolent Society’ it was not until 1916 that the name became the Samaritan Club.
Funds raised annually in the early years were in the $1000 range. In 2023/24 The Samaritan Club of Calgary provided support to the Calgary community to the tune of just under $200,000.
Here we are 115 year later carrying on a tradition founded in compassion for those in need.
We invite you to help us celebrate this impressive achievement. Find out more on our Events Page
You can also check out a recent Calgary Herald article about the clubs' history of providing support to Calgarians in need.
115th Campaign
We are embarking on a 115th Campaign aimed at our members, donors and volunteers. We are asking that you consider donating a minimum of $115 in support of this campaign, the goal being to sponsor the final bundling of layettes in December 2025.
Our layette bundlings occur quarterly and we currently produce about 700 annually for distribution to hospitals and other post-partum support agencies. You can watch a time lapse video of a bundling on our website under the Programs tab to catch the excitement and dedication of volunteers.
115 donations of $115 will equate to about $13,000, enough to produce 175 layettes. These are bundles of baby items including a blanket, towel, sleepers, onesies, knitted hats and a package of diapers.
Join the fun, donate today using the Donate button below to donate through Rogers Birdies for Kids which will provide matching donations up to 50% until August 31, 2025.