YWCA Auckland Turns 125 – This Week!

Press Release For immediate distribution 1/6/2010

YWCA Auckland Turns 125 – This Week!

The oldest women’s organisation in Auckland, the YWCA, turns 125 this week. Celebrating in style with a High Tea at Government House this Thursday, June 3rd. The High Tea will be hosted by YWCA Aotearoa/New Zealand Patron; Her Excellency Lady Susan Satyanand.

With a veritable ‘who’s-who’ of Auckland women attending, including 3 Lady’s and 2 Dames, the work of the YWCA in Auckland has a long history and a long list of supporters. Some very famous and leading women of Auckland have fond memories of the organisation which empowers women.

A High Tea with hats and frocks is an appropriate celebration for this organisation which has worked diligently and solidly for 125 years in the greater Auckland area. Guests will hear about their current activities along with the chance to reminisce about the rich colourful history.

YWCA Auckland CEO, Hilary Sumpter says the key to staying relevant for women is through empowerment. Sumpter adds that “most Aucklanders have an aunt, mother, sister or grand-mother who has attended a free YWCA programme or stayed at a YWCA hostel at some time in their lives. Beach camps in the early part of the 20th Century, thrift clubs, human reproduction lectures (aka sex education for young women in the late ˜60™s), self-defence classes and obile crèches in the ˜70™s and ˜80™s. Along with a few contentious times and a few ups and downs the organisation is still very relevant today.

Current activities include a Hostel in Vincent St, in the CBD, which contributes to funding operations, Encore – an astoundingly successful free exercise programme for women recovering from breast cancer surgery and Future Leaders –a four year mentoring leadership programme run in schools in Auckland, this life-changing programme has been running for 9 years. In addition the YWCA Auckland is a Voice for women, active in advocating on issus and supporting other organisations which relate to women and young people in Auckland today.
The YWCA of Aotearoa/New Zealand is affiliated to the World YWCA which is active in 122 countries and has over 25 million members.
A gala dinner for the YWCA Auckland will also be held on August 11th.

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