Every spring the Manitoba Wildlife Federation hosts their annual Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) where about a hundred women come together to learn outdoor skills and recreation, this through a weekend retreat at Circle Square Ranch.
This year, BOW takes place May 30-June 1, 2025
And on the Saturday evening on the weekend these gals have a live auction to raise money for the BOW program.
"The live auction is actually from items that are donated by participants or instructors and others who want to donate. And the Saturday night event is a blast," shares Events and Membership Coordinator for the MWF, Dawn Scarfe. "We have an amazing auctioneer, and she is hilarious and it's so much fun. And all that money that is raised from that live auction goes straight into the Becoming an Outdoors program. It literally helps to run it."
New this year, will be a donated gear sale, much like a swap n' shop!
"What I've noticed over the past couple of years of helping with the program is the fact that many of these women are coming in and are really wanting to do these recreational activities but don't have a launch pad," explains Scarfe. "You know they might not own camo, or have a fishing rod, or own hiking boots or even a backpack."
"So, what we've decided to do this year is all of the gear will be donated. It's all second-hand used or gently used, and that will be sold sort of garage sale style, with very moderate pricing and budget-friendly," she adds. "And that money again will go towards the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program."
Scarfe says this helps to further fund their program but also gives women the chance to purchase gear at a reasonable price to get started in outdoor recreation.
"So, if there is anyone who has gear, they'd like to donate please contact me!"
For more on the Becoming an Outdoors Woman weekend retreat, visit the Manitoba Wildlife Federation website HERE!
Related Article: Camp, connect, conquer: BOW, the ultimate outdoor retreat for women
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the Manitoba Wildlife Federation at (204) 633-5967 or email them at info@mwf.mb.ca.