FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - A new charitable initiative is taking shape in Fort St. John, with organizers hoping to bring together local men who want to make a meaningful impact in the community through collective giving.
The 100 Men Who Care Society Fort St. John, which also uses the tagline ’100 Men Who Give a Damn,’ is working toward its goal of recruiting its first 100 members ahead of its inaugural fundraising event this fall.
According to founding member Trevor Bolin, the organization was inspired by the success of the long-running Fort St. John group ’100 Women Who Care’ and is designed to complement, rather than compete with, existing community fundraising efforts.
“This is something that I had looked at for a long time, and I love the 100 Women Who Care in Fort St. John, and I love the job that they’ve done,” said Bolin . “They’ve donated tons of money to local not-for-profits, and I still felt that there was a missing component.”
The concept is straightforward. Members commit to attending four events annually and contributing $100 at each gathering.
Organizers say that if membership goals are met, each event could generate between $10,000 and $20,000 for local charities and non-profit organizations every meeting.
Members will hear presentations from eligible community groups before voting on where the funds will be directed.
“We’re going to have four events a year, looking to raise anywhere between $10,000 to $20,000 each event, and then allowing the members to vote on where those funds go,” said Bolin.
The organization’s first event is scheduled for October 8 at the Lido Theatre. Organizers hope to attract between 100 and 200 members to participate.
Beyond fundraising, Bolin said the group is intended to strengthen community connections and encourage local philanthropy.
“The cool premise behind it is, we’re 100 men who care,” he said. “That group of 100 or 200 men spills over into the not-for-profit to then take care of thousands of people. How can you not be excited about something that starts with one person donating $100 that creates thousands of changes in lives in the community?”
Memberships also come with charitable tax receipts, while a separate $100 annual membership fee helps cover operating costs such as venue rentals and event expenses.
Bolin emphasized that the organization is run entirely by volunteers and that no executive members are paid.
“Everything that’s gathered and everything that’s donated is all going to go back into the community,” he said.
Looking ahead, organizers envision the group becoming more than just a fundraising organization.
Future meetings could feature guest speakers and discussions on topics ranging from community safety to marketing and leadership, creating opportunities for members to connect and learn while supporting local causes.
For Bolin, however, the group’s broader mission is rooted in community service.
“When you help somebody in your community, that comes back to you tenfold,” he said. “I don’t believe there’s a better thing that builds community than that. Whether it’s our group, whether it’s 100 Women Who Care, or whether it’s somebody stopping and helping somebody on the street, Fort St. John and the region continue to be stronger as we work together.”
Those interested in joining can find more information through the organization’s Facebook page ahead of the October launch event.