100 Women Who Care Greater Cochrane Area is getting ready for another meeting on September 13.

The local chapter is currently sitting at 76 members and is looking to hit the 100 membership mark before year end, to enable them to donate more.

Lori Toma, Cochrane's 100 Women Who Care, Communication Director, says the group has been able to make a huge difference.

"Over the course of five meetings, 100 Women Who Care of Greater Cochrane Area has raised over $39,000 for local charities."

So far five organizations have benefited from the local chapter's donations including  U of C Host Graft Research, Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area, Woods Homes, Big Hill Lodge, and Red Cross.

Toma shares the feeling in the room is hard to put into words.

"One of the best things about this group and the events that we hold is that feeling that is in the air when we are all getting ready to vote on our charity of choice and write our cheques for a $100 to that chosen charity. Everybody just comes together and has that same goal in mind knowing that we are going to help this particular charity."

The benefit of joining 100 Women is two- fold, Toma feels, both from the feeling of collective giving and the feeling of community.

"The biggest benefit is knowing your hundred dollar cheque is going to be multiplied by so many other women's cheques, so you end up being able to be part of this grand total that you are giving to this small local charity, I see my money having a greater impact. The second part is being a part of a bunch of local women who have this exact same goal in mind to do something great for their community."

The next meeting for 100 Women will be held at Heritage House Coffee Company on the 13th, at 7 pm.

Toma says bringing friends is encouraged, with no obligation. Likewise local charities can also contact Toma if they wish to be added to the list for future consideration.

If you plan to bring a friend, send a quick email to Toma letting her know womenwhocarecochrane@gmail.com