Submitted by Tamara Wilson
The SWANS wish everyone in our community a Happy New Year and wonderful 2026! The SWANS had a few orders of business to attend to, however, before bringing the year to a joyous close.
Thanks to business owner, Roberta Mielhausen, for opening the Bear Cub’s doors for the SWANS Christmas celebration on Dec 17th!
December marks the close of the SWANS 2025 fiscal year with the transition to the new 2026 executive happening on January 1. Outgoing President Lindsay deMalmanche said a few parting words as incoming 2026 President, Katie Reimer-Catteau, takes over.
Before leaving 2025 behind, the 2025 Executive finalized budgeted donations to local charities and community organizations. On December 18th, the SWANS made a $1000 donation to Brightshores Owen Sound Foundation towards the new breast screen mammogram machine. Every year the amazing team at Brightshores Owen Sound Hospital performs more than 9,000 mammograms. This screening is often done on otherwise healthy people to ensure that any sign of breast cancer is caught early when it’s more treatable. Women now from 40-74 can have a free examination. Newer tech in Mammogram machines result in the use of less radiation and are more comfortable for patients. Ladies! If you have yet to make your appointment, it is easy breezy! For more information, please visit https://brightshoresf
oundation.ca/your-gifts-at-work/mammography
-suite/.
On December 18th the Peninsula SWANS were honoured to present a pre-holiday $400 donation to Safe ‘N Sound Grey Bruce in support of their mission to ending homelessness in Grey Bruce – where everyone has safe shelter with appropriate services.
This donation is possible because of the generosity of our supporters — thank you for helping us make a difference together! If you’d like to support Safe ‘N Sound directly: 310 8th St E, Owen Sound, 519-470-7288. Chair@safensoundgreybruce.ca E-Transfer: finance@safensoundgreybruce.ca
On December 19th, the SWANS were honoured to present a $1000 donation to The Women’s Centre of Grey Bruce, supporting women, children, youth and families who are affected by abuse and require secure shelter, crisis intervention, safety planning, counselling and transition services. A heartfelt thank-you to Stacy Barry, Fund Development & Communications Manager, for all the incredible work she does on behalf of the Women’s Centre. This organization provides vital support, safety, and resources to women across Grey Bruce, and we’re proud to stand behind them. If you’re interested in donating, learning more, or supporting the Women’s Centre, please reach out directly to Stacy: stacyb@womenscentre.org. Together, we can continue to lift one another up. For more information, visit their website at: https://www.thewomenscentre.org/
SWANS is an acronym for SERVICE: WE ASSIST, NURTURE, SUPPORT. The SWANS welcome new members who wish to be involved in initiatives which support our local community. For further information, please contact Roberta Mielhausen at 519-374-4110.
