On July 26, under sunny skies and surrounded by the lush Alberta countryside, YWCA Edmonton supporters gathered at the 2026 Rose Garden Party for an afternoon of connection, celebration, and impact. Guests enjoyed lawn games, wine tastings, handcrafted cocktails and mocktails, and an incredible spread of local food while spending time with friends old and new.
Beyond the food and festivities, the event offered an opportunity to celebrate the collective impact of the YWCA Edmonton community and look ahead to an important year of advocacy and action.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Rose Campaign
During the formal program, CEO Rachel Foley introduced the focus of the 2026 Rose Campaign, which launches on November 25 and explores the growing issue of technology-facilitated gender-based violence. Citing that one in three young women and girls have experienced online sexual violence, she emphasized that ending violence requires collective action: “This is not just a women’s issue. Prevention is everyone’s responsibility.”
Rose Council Chair Nafisa Bowen and Director of External Relations Renée Chan expanded on the need to better understand and address the ways violence increasingly follows people into digital spaces. “Violence online does not stay online,” Renée noted. “It impacts mental health, relationships, trust, and overall wellbeing.”
This fall, the Rose Campaign will explore how communities can support victims of digital violence, educate and empower youth, and create a safer, stronger community online and offline.
“Violence online does not stay online. It impacts mental health, relationships, trust, and overall wellbeing.”
Driven by Generous Support
We are so grateful to our donors, Rose Council members, staff, and volunteers for making this event possible. Thank you to our in-kind event sponsors for helping to bring the Rose Garden Party to life: The Cornerstone Retreat & Event Venue, A Cappella Catering, Curbside Food Truck, Barside Mobile Cocktail Bar, Sipps Mocktails, Vine Arts, River City Events, Luminarie Creative, and Burke Group.
And a special thank you to everyone who signed up as a monthly donor at the event. Your ongoing support helps YWCA Edmonton respond to immediate needs while investing in long-term solutions that strengthen our community.
If you missed the opportunity at the event, you can still become a monthly donor online. Those who make a gift of $25 or more per month will receive a commemorative Rose pin designed by local artist Justine Ma, a symbol of community action to end gender-based violence.
Together, we’re building a safer, stronger community where women, children, and gender-diverse people can live a life free from violence.
