Helen Ghabel: YWCA’s VP, Finance—Now Retired but Still Invested
When Helen Ghabel first walked into YWCA Metro Vancouver in 1995, she thought it was primarily a fitness centre. What she discovered instead was an organization driven by deep compassion quietly transforming lives across the community. From day one, she was invested.
As the now-retired YWCA VP of Finance, Helen was deeply impressed by how the organization stretched every dollar to do so much.
"It would’ve been hard to stay for 28 years if the values and mission didn’t align with my own," she reflects. That alignment didn’t just keep her at the YWCA, it made her one of its most committed donors.
Helen often chose to donate to the YWCA’s "area of greatest need." Why? “Because the organization is most familiar with where the money is needed,” she says. “And I know first-hand that they will use my donations to benefit the programs and people we serve.”
That trust in the organization runs deep. As a long-time annual and monthly donor, Helen also left a bequest to the YWCA in her will—a legacy gift that, she says, brings her peace.
“It’s an honour to know I can continue to make an impact even when I’m gone,” she says.
She’s seen what legacy gifts can do, funding new housing developments and crucial projects that sometimes go unnoticed but make a lasting difference.
“You don’t always see the impact right away,” she says. “But that doesn’t mean it isn’t there.”
Beyond the YWCA, Helen’s heart is in her community. She volunteers at her church, supports children’s programs, and, most importantly, leads by example at home. Her 19-year-old daughter has been raised with the values of kindness, inclusion and the power of helping others.
“If you can help, do,” Helen says. As she looks ahead, her hope is clear: that the YWCA continues to meet women, children and families where they’re at—with compassion, excellence and the dignity they deserve.
To discuss Legacy Giving with the YWCA, please contact Shantal Cashman at scashman@ywcavan.org or 604 895 5859.
