The Bless the Broom Tree Online Auction held in December was another big success.
The auction, organized by local volunteer Sandra Mulder, raised close to $9,000 in support of the Broom Tree Foundation in Lacombe. The auction has been running for the past three years. The goal this year was to raise $6,000.
"Sandra Mulder has been one of our number one supporters," said Broom Tree founder and Executive Director Donna Abma.
The auction contained over 80 items which were donated by local community members and businesses.
The Broom Tree Foundation exists to provide refuge, restoration and rebuilding to women and their families. The organization's vision is to help support women who have been faced with a variety of obstacles, empowering them to overcome these challenges and achieve their highest potential.
The organization is funded primarily through donations from the community including local churches, corporations, businesses, and individuals. The non-profit also receives grants through community partners.
Abma says the funds raised will be going towards a worthy cause.
"I can't give too much away but we are starting our capital project," she said. "We want to build our own housing. That money is going towards that and everything that needs to start that up. That's very exciting."
Abma notes the organization has also started up a domestic violence support group that runs every Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
"Just really excited about that and the response on that and being able to start to really navigate those connections, pieces and those groups to really bring women together. That's super exciting," she said.
The Broom Tree has also hired Chelsea Felt as the organization's new Attainable Housing Program Coordinator.
"The need for that is great," added Abma. "The rental [cost] in Lacombe and surrounding areas, it's a lot and people can't keep up with it."
The Broom Tree Foundation has an office in Lacombe (#1, 4737 49B Avenue) and also operates a social enterprise café (5010 50 St). Profits from the café help fund the Broom Tree Foundation's work in the community. The Broom Tree Sisters Program offers confidential one-on-one support to women in need.
The Broom Tree Foundation celebrated its five-year anniversary on Jan. 3, 2025. The organization now employs six people, with another seven working at the café.
The group hosted an open house on Jan. 8 to give local residents a chance to meet the team and learn more about the work being done in the community.
"We really want to thank every single person who has either prayed for us, gave encouraging words, and donated money to the Broom Tree," said Abma.
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