Wanting to do something truly memorable for her 50th birthday, Cindy Beedie reached out to the YWCA in 2018 with a vision: to create a housing project specifically to support single mothers and their children.
Already a dedicated volunteer with the YWCA’s Women of Distinction Awards Selection Committee, Cindy had a deep understanding of the work of the YWCA and was committed to doing something more.
In partnership with Cindy Beedie, BC Housing’s Women’s Transition Housing Support Fund, City of Burnaby and an anonymous donor, Cindy Beedie Place will provide 56 safe, deeply affordable homes to low-income single mothers leaving violence, when it opens this fall. It’ll also include a 37-space child care centre catering to toddlers and preschool aged children. Cindy Beedie Place will provide residents with wrap-around supports including educational bursaries, legal advocacy and employment training.
Cindy grew up in Coquitlam and studied political science at SFU, where she met her husband, Ryan. They married 33 years ago and moved to West Vancouver, where they raised their three children.
Committed philanthropists, Cindy and Ryan have supported numerous local and international initiatives across health, education and social change. Cindy serves on the Leadership Circle of ONE, an organization founded by Bono in 2004 focused on ending extreme poverty and preventable diseases. A music lover, Cindy is also the co-founder of Beedie Rocks, a bi-annual concert celebration that has raised over $3 million for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and YWCA Metro Vancouver.
Cindy’s dedication to education, housing and community support continues to transform lives locally and internationally.
“My hope is that Cindy Beedie Place offers mothers and their children, not just a safe place to live, but comfort and support during a very difficult time,” Cindy says. “My vision is a supportive community where these families can thrive. I can’t wait to welcome everyone to their new homes!”
Please contact Brenda Ulmer at 604 895 5764 or bulmer@ywcavan.org if you would like to make a transformational gift and help build a desperately needed housing community for single mothers and their children.
