Meeting the Need

ANNUAL REPORT 2013

From the Board Chair and Executive DirectorIt always seems impossible until it’s done.—Nelson Mandela.

The Women In Need Society saw 2013 as a year of renovations, expansion of our programs and building new partnerships. Understanding the changing needs of women and families living in poverty can seem like an overwhelming and somewhat impossible challenge. Building on our strengths, 2013 was a year in which we were able to meet the needs of emergency situations and expand our reach into the community.Looking at the organization through the eyes of our customers and clients, it was time to put a fresh face on our stores. We installed new floors, lighting and paint at two of our stores, Family Resource Centres and head office. Brightening our working environment re-energized our strong and passionate staff and brightened the worlds of many women and families who access our programs and visit our stores. It is amazing the difference a fresh coat of paint and a smile can make in someone’s life.Growth in our thrift store and recycling operations enabled us to increase the reach of our programs in the community by opening a sixth Family Resource Centre and investing heavily in the Free Goods Referral Program. The value of a dollar is forever changing in our economy and it was important that we ensure that our increasing number of clients not only receive personalized assistance but have sufficient support to access the basic needs and resources they require. No mother in Calgary should have to choose between providing their child with a warm meal or warm clothes. We are there to help meet the need.We want to extend our sincere appreciation to our valued donors, partnering agencies and shoppers. It is through their support that we are able to make a difference in the lives of Calgarians. We would also like to thank our Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers whose dedication cannot be overstated. We are so proud to work with such a great team of compassionate individuals, committed to our mission.As we look to the coming year, we look forward to continuing our work in the community and overcoming the impossible.

Brian Bastien, Cathy CouttsChair, Women In Need Society Board of Directors Executive Director

2013 Board of DirectorsBrian Bastien, Chair | ConsultantNicole Springer, Vice Chair | Axia Netmedia CorporationJeff Kearl, Treasurer | Waldron Energy Ltd.Allison Kuntz, Secretary | Norton Rose LLPAngela Mak, Past Chair | RBC Royal BankPetrina Driscoll, Director | Riata Partners CalgaryDiane Graves, Director | Stepping Stones TransitionsVeronica Hunt, Director | Grant Thornton LLPKevin Le, Director | Gibson EnergyGreg Ripley, Director | RBC Royal BankMaria Somjee, Director | Grant Thornton LLPMark Stables, Director | AMJ CampbellMichelle Stroo, Director | MEG EnergyMike Suzuki, Director | BMO

Mandate• Operates donation-driven thrift stores to provide goods

to women in need and contribute to the financial sustainability of the society

• Operate resource centres to promote life-long learning opportunities for women in need and their families.

• Collaborate with agencies, organizations, and individuals to respond to the needs of women in Calgary and area.

Goals• Women and their families gain access to basic needs

items such as clothing, household goods and furniture.• Women and their families gain knowledge and access to

available community resources.• Women and their families learn foundational skills such

as life and family skills.• Women gain employment skills through on-the-job training.• People with limited incomes have an affordable place to

buy clothing, household goods and furniture.• WINS Thrift Stores are net revenue positive and support

the organization and community programs.

Our PeopleAt WINS we know that our best resource is our people. The passion and dedication of our staff and volunteers in meeting the needs of women and families in our city inspire us each day. In 2013, we focused on meeting the needs of our team as well. Staff participated in Customer Service Training, computer courses, and budgeting workshops. We also ensured that, if needed, any member of our team could access the services we provide to our clients, including our Free Goods Referral Program, Fluor School Backpack Program, and our Family Resource Centres.As a result, staff turnover decreased by 24% and absenteeism by 31% in 2013. We will continue to invest in our people in 2014 as the organization moves towards a living wage for our frontline employees and we strengthen our hiring practices.Our Volunteer Program grew an astounding 99% this past year, in large part due to the commitment of Calgary’s corporate community. Thirty-nine groups and 105 individual volunteers lent a hand assisting customers, sorting donations, and helping at events. Our store premises and offices were also greatly improved with new paint jobs and flooring, thanks to several United Way Days of Caring projects. We are grateful for all of those who lent a hand.

Quick StatsNumber of volunteers: 2,098Number of volunteer hours contributed: 10,291Number of times staff accessed training and support opportunities: 204

WINS and the Community“We chose WINS as the charity of choice as we wanted to encourage Calgarians to declutter for ‘good’. It made sense to highlight an organization that was able to receive all donations either for resale or recycling, and at the same time help those in need.“ – GetRealLive

This past year brought some incredible opportunities and partnerships to WINS. Some helped us shed the light on the needs that women and families living in poverty face in our city; others brought us the means to do our part in meeting these needs.We participated in numerous donation drives at community associations all around the city. We also linked with The Swap Team and the Mother of All Kids Clothing Swap to support our stores and Free Goods Referral Program. In April we were thrilled to be part of GetRealLive’s production featuring professional organizer, Peter Walsh. This event brought WINS wonderful exposure and thousands of donations for our stores and programs. October saw us host a pop-up thrift store at Olds College Calgary Campus with their Fashion Institute students, and in November we were thrilled to be the top beneficiary of Antosz Orthodontics’ “WhatGivesYYC” initiative. In December, WINS and Brewsters Travel Canada helped Calgarians “stuff a bus” full of warm clothing for vulnerable women and families. We were also the grateful recipients of two Westjet tickets, which we raffled off in our stores. This raised much-needed funds for WINS programs.These and other opportunities helped raise WINS profile in the community and brought in additional resources for us, both financial and goods. Thanks for thinking of us!

WINS Community Programs“I don’t feel alone. I know I can talk to someone. I have come to WINS and they treat me like a human being.”

The year 2013 was a challenging one for our city. The June floods tested our systems and connections to each other and Calgarians rose to the challenge. Three of WINS Family Resource Centres (FRC’s) were tested in their ability to meet the needs of the evacuated residents in their building. Thanks to the support of partners Cenovus Energy, Shaw, and Talisman Energy, grocery gift cards were distributed to 407 residents in Hillhurst, Bridgeland and 10St NW, to replace food lost due to the power outages in their homes.To increase our scope of service, WINS opened a brand new FRC in Erin Woods in June and extended hours of service at two of our locations. All six of our FRC’s are now open a minimum of two days a week to provide support, access to resources, and social connections for women and families.WINS’ Free Goods Referral Program continues to adapt to the changing needs of the people who walk through our doors every day. In 2013, we increased the value of the vouchers given to referral clients. We also added two employees, resulting in improved customer service and shorter wait times. These improvements provide more support to those clients who also need access to other community resources, including our FRC’s.In October we issued 548 referrals, which was our highest number ever for any given month. During the flood and the months following, we offered emergency referrals to flood victims who required access to basic needs. We are grateful to all of our Community Program partners, who are listed further in this report. We wish to thank them for their ongoing support and partnerships.

Quick StatsNumber of visits to the FRCs: 4,811Number of FRC Services Provided: 7,549Number of Free Goods referrals issued: 4,968Dollar amount of referrals issued: $474,250

WINS Thrift Stores and Goods Donation Program

As one of Calgary’s largest social enterprises, WINS Thrift Stores provided a great shopping experience for our customers from all economic backgrounds in 2013. Corporate partners Talisman Energy and Imperial Oil helped to install new flooring in our Dover and Bowness locations. We simplified the purchase process for our customers and installed new point-of-sale systems in all of our stores. We also instituted “Shop4Change”, a customer loyalty program rewarding those who shop at WINS and choose to support our programs with their retail dollar.Our stores are successful thanks to the generosity of Calgarians who donate clothing, furniture and housewares. Thousands dropped goods off directly at our stores on a daily basis in 2013. A partnership with The Mustard Seed brought in close to 10,000 bags of clothing and a new partnership with the Calgary Drop-In Centre will help us assist even more clients. WINS offers a free donation pick-up service with 4 trucks on the road 7 days a week and in 2013 we served over 3200 people and 750 commercial supporters this way. Our Truck Department meets a vital need of delivering items to clients of our Free Goods Referral Program. Many of these families have no other way of getting items like beds and kitchen wares to their homes. When these families come to WINS, free delivery is a service we are proud to provide and in 2013, 83% of our overall deliveries were to Free Goods Referral clients.

Quick StatsNumber of WINS Thrift Store customers: 186,641Number of donations picked up: 47,173 bags, boxes, and pieces of furnitureNumber of pounds of goods recycled: 886,979Number of deliveries made to program clients: 1,108

SanjaySometimes, when a person in need opens the door to WINS, other doors open as well. In July of 2013, Sanjay and his wife walked into our WINS Dover Thrift Store seeking the support of our Free Goods Referral Program. New to Canada, Sanjay was worried about how to provide for his family and furnish his home. He had been referred to us by a counsellor at the Genesis Centre.While helping him get the items he needed for his home and family, our Free Goods Referral Program Facilitator, Kerrie, also learned that Sanjay needed a job. WINS just happened to be looking for someone in our Sort Facility and Sanjay had warehouse experience in Canada. Sanjay dropped off his resume the next day and while on the bus travelling home he received a call to come in for an interview. Two days later he got the job.

“I felt as if I was home at WINS, the people were so kind in conversation and helping.”

Gaining employment, Sanjay is able to furnish his home with the necessities that he and his family had to leave behind in his country. He and his family visited our Temple Family Resource Centre for additional support. Now Sanjay advocates for the program, bringing friends and relatives to FRC Facilitator, Nadima, for help with a variety of needs. Our Manager of Community Programs, Kim, also referred him to Crescent Heights School where he was able to secure a computer. His sons are able to do well in school because of this equipment. When Sanjay came to Canada he struggled with the new language. Working at WINS he speaks with goods donors on a daily basis and is much more comfortable speaking English now. “I feel proud and secure about working with such a wonderful organization as WINS” Sanjay says. My family is also happy for the opportunity of me working here as I’m able to purchase math text books to help my sons excel in school, and movies and games to entertain them at home.” WINS feels proud to have helped Sanjay open these doors to a new life here in Calgary.

WinnieIn June of 2013 WINS opened its sixth Family Resource Centre in Erin Woods, meeting the needs of the women and families in that area of the city. When the FRC opened, “Winnie” stopped by hoping to make improvements in her life. She wanted to find a job and learn about resources in her community. She also wanted to make positive changes for herself, her family and her community. “Winnie” faced many challenges as a single mother of 5 and she said that it is hard for immigrants to get careers in Canada because of lack of experience and skills.“Winnie” received help from the whole WINS team. She said that “every problem she has come to WINS with she has been able to find help in finding solutions”. WINS gave her a referral for clothing, helped her with her resume and cover letter, provided access to computer courses, and assisted her in applying for jobs. FRC Facilitator, Nadima, even helped her get a washer and dryer.

“I feel safe and happy knowing that there is an office in my neighborhood that if I ever have any problem I can go to Nadima and talk to her and get help”

“Winnie” recently began volunteering at WINS as she wants to gain more skills in order to apply for jobs. She has great ideas that she wants to share because she knows the Erin Woods community so well. One idea was a Coffee Time program that she and Nadima worked together to create. “I really want to help other women”, “Winnie” says. “I want to encourage and support other women. Even though my situation isn’t good, I have to give back to my community. It is also important for me to role model this for my kids, to be a good member of the community and to give back.” As an Erin Woods resident, “Winnie” knows what kind of neighborhood women want to be a part of. She wants to share that with WINS to get her ideas into action. WINS is thrilled to support such a great community member, who is also a wonderful resource for us as well. We are grateful to have her as part of our FRC team.

SpencerFor Spencer, her daily commute led to a rewarding weekly commitment as a volunteer for WINS. As a recent resident of Erin Woods, Spencer drove by the WINS Dover Thrift Store daily. She soon became a regular shopper. Watching the store staff help out Free Goods Referral Program clients made her feel like she wanted to help out as well.“I overheard (Store Manager) Bonnie talking to an inquiring volunteer one day and thought I would complete the forms.” says Spencer. “Now they can’t get rid of me!”Spencer loves volunteering with WINS. She believes that the organization is such an important part of Calgary offering a very valuable service. She remembers a day when a mother came into the store with her daughter, who was around 6 or 7 years old. The mother let her daughter pick three books, and Spencer watched her pay for them with change, including pennies. Spencer could tell it was a big purchase for the family. She was moved to tears thinking about how the affordability of a WINS Thrift Store enabled this mother to buy something special for her daughter.Spencer is also moved by the WINS “family” of staff and volunteers. She felt a part of this family the minute she started volunteering. Spencer was especially touched by how much WINS cared about a staff member who experienced a terrible injury in an automobile accident this past fall. Listening to the staff talk about him really touched her, so much so that she organized a fundraiser in support of his recovery.Spencer says she is thankful to be part of such an amazing program as WINS. Spencer, WINS thanks you as well.

2013 2012

ASSETSCurrent

Cash and cash equivalents $ 504,356 $ 365,579Restricted Cash $ 23,396 $ 38,400Short term investments 730,000 733,146Accounts receivable 29,916 83,537GST receivable 29,843 22,878Prepaid expenses and security deposits 33,955 34,123 1,351,466 1,277,663

Property and equipment 329,765 188,770 $ 1,681,231 $ 1,466,433

LIABILITIESCurrent

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 46,361 $ 33,235Wages and benefits payable 48,279 117,056 94,640 150,291

Deferred ContributionsRelated to operations 132,391 65,883Related to property and equipment 134,281 71,546 266,672 137,429

NET ASSETSInvested in property and equipment 177,248 117,224Internally restricted 400,000 400,000Unrestricted 742,671 661,489 1,319,919 1,178,713

$ 1,681,231 $ 1,466,433

Approved on behalf of the Board:

__________________________________ Treasurer __________________________________ Director

Women in Need Society of CalgaryStatement of Financial Position

As at December 31, 2013

For a more detailed look at the financial position of Women In Need Society, view the full documents online at www.womeninneed.net or obtain a copy from WINS’ Head Office.

2013 2012

REVENUEThrift stores $ 2,989,647 $ 2,545,136Donations 359,719 400,134United Way 99,434 105,521Gifts in Kind 78,239 131,996Casino 66,515 48,915Recognition of deferred contributions related to property and equipment 35,420 28,102Grants 31,550 16,871Other income 17,183 59,433Interest income 16,759 11,831 $ 3,694,466 $ 3,347,939

EXPENSESWages and subcontractors $ 2,286,490 $ 2,011,168Rent and utilities 627,417 560,153Thrift store 187,664 164,046Office 96,527 93,892Amortization 79,931 66,186Gifts in Kind 78,239 131,996Staff and volunteer recognition and development 33,496 19,835Advertising and promotion 45,270 44,545Goods and services tax 29,843 22,878Repair and maintenance 29,516 23,569Program expenses 23,979 2,107Professional fees 21,998 31,705Donations 11,629 1,290Loss on equipment 1,261 – 3,553,260 3,173,370

EXCESS OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES $ 141,206 $ 174,569

Women in Need Society of CalgaryStatement of Operations

As at December 31, 2013

For a more detailed look at the operational position of Women In Need Society, view the full documents online at www.womeninneed.net or obtain a copy from WINS’ Head Office.

Financial Partners$20,000 and upAlberta Lottery Fund – Community

Facility Enhancement ProgramAlberta Lottery Fund – Community

Initiatives ProgramArthur JE Child FoundationBender, RKinsmen Club of CalgaryThe Calgary Foundation – Community

Grants ProgramTong, CTong, M & E & EngTong, PTong, TUnited Way of Calgary & Area

$10,000 and upAlberta Lottery Fund – Community

Spirit ProgramATCO Structures & LogisticsBMO Bank of MontrealCenovus Energy Inc.Hunter Family FoundationN. Murray Edwards Charitable FoundationNexen Energy ULCTalisman Energy Inc.

$5,000 and upAntosz Orthodontics –

WhatGivesYYC InitiativeATB FinancialBurns Memorial FundCalgary Drop-In & Rehab CentreCenovus Employee FoundationFluor Canada Ltd.Imperial Oil Ltd.Johnson, MLoblaw’sLuke’s Drug MartLumsden, EOlympia Charitable FoundationShaw Communications Inc.

$2,500 and upATCO Gas Brittain, JDonmar FoundationFaryna, JGibson EnergyMary Kay Cosmetics Ltd.Rotary Club of Calgary SouthScotia Centre Ltd.United Way of Greater Toronto

$1,000 and upAlexander, RArcurve Inc.ATCO Power Canada Ltd.

Body Plus Nutritional Products Inc.Brown, PCampbell, A & WCanada Truck Stops LimitedCherry, BCommunity Natural FoodsCox, GDanyluk, LDinner Optimist Club of CalgaryDrummond, G Drummond, TEmpyrean Consulting Inc.Encana Cares FoundationFawcett, DGE Oil & Gas Honorable Order of the Blue Goose

International SocietyJust Your Style Hair StudioLittle, P & MPi, ARadler, AReed, KRitz, TScrivens, B & DSemrau Equities Ltd.Spartan ControlsSysco EdmontonThe Calgary Foundation – Managed FundThe Estate of Jane Ann RobinsThe Shoe ClosetWagenaar, E & CWestcott, R

$500 and upAll Clear Solutions Ltd. Collins Barrow Calgary LLPCoutts, CCrescent Point Energy CorporationCWS Fiberglass Technology LTDElbow River Marketing Ltd.Fekete Associates Inc.Jensen, LJerilyn Wright & AssociatesKnox United ChurchL&D Distributors Corona SuppliesLevene, KMacKenzie, MMathew, LMolle, DNexen Inc.Norton Rose LLPPrimaris Management Inc.Rocky Mountain Church of ChristScenic Acres Community AssociationSchultz, MSelinger, SShanmughasundaram, VSimonds, HSmith, GStantec Consulting Ltd.Suncor Energy Foundation

TELUS (Team TELUS Cares)Thompson, FVan Cauwenberghe, SWestwinds Ladies CurlingWhitestone, LWong, MYogadotcalmZubar, S

Goods & Services Partners Aesthetics AcademyAvatara PizzaBeauty Me SpaBEBE – Chinook MallBibles for Missions Thrift StoresBodhi Tree Yoga CentreBondars Fine FurnitureBoston Pizza – Memorial DriveBoston Pizza – RichmondBrewsters Travel CanadaCalgary Clothes HorseCentre Street ChurchChaparral Community AssociationChateau Renoir – Ladies Knit

& Stitch GroupChinook MallCleoCliff Bungalow Community AssociationCoco RougeCrescent Heights Community AssociationDanielle’s Consignment BoutiqueDavid’s Tea – Stephen AvenueDrumheller Pioneer Trail SocietyElboya Community AssociationEspritEvelineCharlesFairview Community AssociationFeisty ConsignmentFirst Alliance ChurchFluor Canada Ltd.GowlingsGreen Standards Ltd.Guess – Market MallGuess by Marciano – Chinook MallHuckleberry KidsKaty’s Consignment Boutique –

StrathmoreKermode CounsellingKincora Community AssociationKPMGLoblawsLullaby LaneMarble Slab CreameryMarlborough MallMedical Mercy CanadaMOCA Family Resource CentreMount Pleasant Community AssociationNexen Inc.Northhill CentreNorthland Village Mall

Old’s College Fashion InstituteOlive GardenOnce Upon A ChildOptimist Club of CalgaryPatterson Heights/Coach Hill

Community AssociationPeacock Boutique Dress AgencyREAL CANADIAN SuperstoreRenfrew Tiny Tots SalesRhoda’s Elegance AgainRichmond Knob Hill Community

AssociationRocky Mountain Church of ChristRutland Park Community AssociationSafeway CanadaSASS Consignment BoutiqueSecond To None Thrift StoreServants Anonymous Society of CalgaryShoppers Drug MartSilly Toes Kids & MaternitySkoahSpringbank LinksSt. Giles Presbyterian ChurchStep Out of PovertySunridge MallTalbotsTREND Fashions Ltd.Tuscany Residents AssociationVespucci Ladies ConsignmentWard 5 Community Clean-upWarehouse One Jeans Store –

Deerfoot MallWarehouse One Jeans Store – PrestwickWatson GlovesWestjetWillowridge Community AssociationWinners – ShawnessyWycliff Bible Translators of Canada Inc.

Community Program Partners Aboriginal Friendship Centre of CalgaryAlberta Children’s HospitalAB Health Services: Best Beginnings

OutreachAB Health Services: Home Care and YouAlberta WorksAlexandra Community Health Centre

(The Alex)Aspen Family & Community Network

Society

Aventa Addiction Treatment for WomenAwo Taan Healing Lodge SocietyBowwest Community Resource Centre Brenda Strafford Foundation Ltd. Calgary Association of Self Help Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth Calgary Catholic Immigration Society

(CCIS)Calgary Drop-In & Rehab CentreCalgary Family Services Calgary Health Region – Alberta Children’s

Hospital, Foothills Hospital, Peter Lougheed Hospital, Rockyview Hospital

Calgary Housing Company Calgary Immigrant Women’s Assoc.

(CIWA)Calgary Inter Faith Food Bank Calgary Legal GuidanceCalgary Pregnancy Care Centre Calgary Public Library Calgary Sexual Health CentreCalgary Urban Project Society (CUPS) Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter Canadian Mental Health Association –

Calgary Region Canadian Red Cross – CalgaryCare Connect Christian SocietyCatholic Family Services Children’s Cottage Society –

Brenda’s HouseCity of Calgary – Calgary Transit City of Calgary – City Link Program City of Calgary – Fee Assistance ProgramCity of Calgary – Community &

Neighborhood ServicesCity of Calgary – Multi Agency School

Support Team Community Kitchen Program of Calgary Connect NetworkConnections Counseling & Consulting

Foundation Discovery House Eagle’s Nest Stoney Family ShelterEastside Victory Outreach Centre Electronic Recycling Association of AlbertaElizabeth Fry Society (Berkana House)Elizabeth House Families Matter Fluor Canada Backpack ProgramFrancophone Newcomers Centre Further Education Society of Alberta H & R Block

Heart of the Northeast Community SolutionsResource CentreHillhurst – Sunnyside Community

AssociationHIV Community Link Hull Child & Family ServicesInn From The Cold Jewish Family Service Kerby Rotary House Shelter Lenscrafters – Gift of Sight ProgramLiving Waters Victory Church Made by MommaMaking Changes Association –

Walk-In ClosetMattress MattressMcMan Community Services Association Metis Calgary Family ServicesMomentum Mosaic Primary Care NetworkMustard Seed NeighbourLinkNew Canadian Friendship CentreNorth Central Community Resource Centre North East Calgary Adopt a Family SocietyNorth of McKnight Resource Centre Office of the Public GuardianOur Lady Queen of Peace Ranch Oxford House Foundation of Canada Potential Place Clubhouse Society Project Warmth SocietyRiel Institute Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Scope Society Seniors Secret ServiceServants Anonymous Society (SAS) Sleep Country Society of St. Vincent de PaulSonshine Counselling Services Southeast Community Resource Centre Southwest Communities Resource Centre St David’s United ChurchSunrise Community Link Resource Centre The Distress CentreThe Salvation Army WCG Services “Employ Me Calgary” West Central Community Resource Centre Wheatland Community Crisis Centre –

StrathmoreWheels for KidsWomen’s Centre of CalgaryYouville Women’s Residence YWCA

The Women In Need Society is very thankful for the over 4500 individuals and families who donated clothing, housewares, and furniture to our stores over the past year. Your support means we can continue to provide gently used items of good quality to those who receive them through

our Free Goods Referral Program, as well as the valuable customers who shop at WINS Thrift Stores in support of women in need.

Women In Need Society of Calgary Charitable #135 185 411 RR0001

Head Office#1, 3525-26 Ave. SE, Calgary, Alberta T2B 2M9Phone: 403-255-5102 Fax: 403-255-0807 Email: info@womeninneed.net

Help women and their families help themselves.Donate your gently used clothing, household goods and furniture.

For Donation Pick-up, phone 403-252-3826

Organize a clothing/small housewares/furniture drive in your community.Shop at WINS Thrift Stores

6432 Bowness Rd. NW 403-288-48253525-26 Ave. SE 403-235-6448134-71 Ave. SE 403-255-7514

2907 Richmond Rd. SW 403-242-4969

Volunteer.Make a Financial Donation.

www.womeninneed.net

The Women In Need SocietyVision

Women have the resources, knowledge, skills and confidence to achieve self-sufficiency.

MissionWomen In Need Society (WINS) helps women and their families to help themselves.

ValuesWINS provides compassion and support. We encourage life-long learning.

We operate with integrity and honesty. We demonstrate respect for each other. We promote teamwork in a fun environment.