To kick off this year’s Calgary Stampede, the Electra Calgary team once again had the opportunity to roll up our sleeves at the Women In Need Society (WINS) donation centre. It was a rewarding way to be able to give back to the community by volunteering behind the scenes and learning more about the impact WINS has on our community.
We began the day with a short presentation on WINS’ 2024 results and community impact. Last year WINS provided over one million dollars worth of household items, baby supplies, clothing and more. In addition to the physical aid, 97% of recipients of one-on-one support report a feeling of increased self-confidence.
After the presentation, we were given a guided tour of their bustling warehouse. The team explained that spring and summer are some of their busiest seasons, thanks to the volume of donations that roll in. WINS has put in place a smart and efficient system to handle the influx, ensuring donations are quickly processed and redistributed to their stores across the city.
Last year, we helped sort and fulfill store orders. This year, we experienced a different part of the process—helping to sort freshly donated items right at the start of their journey.
Each member of our team was paired with a WINS staff member or volunteer, who guided us through their donation grading process. Items are assessed and sorted into categories: A-grade items go to their regular stores, B-grade items head to their discount More Store, and anything that’s not reusable is either recycled or, as a last resort, sent to landfill.
It took a little while to get the hang of it—a combination of a sharp eye and muscle memory to check for certain wear-and-tear details. We sorted everything from clothing and shoes to household goods, all flowing from large donation bins to the appropriate sorting station.
One particularly on-theme moment? Spotting a box marked “seasonal” topped with cowboy boots and hats—Stampede spirit at its finest.
Seeing donations come in was genuinely eye-opening. We were all impressed by the overall quality and condition of the items. WINS makes sure their store prices are accessible to everyone, so it’s heartening to know these gently used goods will not only avoid the landfill but also become reliable staples in someone’s home. And let’s be honest—in Alberta, a good pair of winter boots can last you years and make a huge difference on the coldest days.
WINS provides essential services, but just as importantly, they ensure fair access to everyday goods that help people feel comfortable, secure, and at home.
We’re proud to support an organization making such a tangible impact, and grateful to be able to continue this tradition of giving back during Stampede.
Alongside donating our time Electra is also supporting WINS directly, and we are hoping our broader network will also take part, please see our fundraising page here to share or support if you can: Electra Learning Inc. Stampede Celebration 2025 – CanadaHelps
You can also learn more about WINS here: About | WINS Calgary
WINS 2024 Impact Report Here: 2024 WINS Impact Report v13