On an Island with GirlGang
This month we met up with Ashley, Danielle, Jess.F., Jes.B., Stephanie and Taylor – the six women behind GirlGang Kindness. GirlGang is an organization based in Lethbridge, AB and they are doing big things for their community. At Island we love working with all types of business and we were happy to be along for the ride with GirlGang. Island worked closely with the team to create a new website, logo design and brand guide. The goal was to create a platform that showcases events, initiatives and general kindness these women are known for. Grab yourself a glass of champagne, sit back and relax and learn a little more about GirlGang Kindness.
Island: Tell us about GirlGang?
GirlGang: GirlGang Kindness is a group of unique women who came together with a shared vision of empowering one another by spreading compassion and love in our own lives and in our community.
Island: What kind of work does your organization do? What kind of programs or events do you run?
GG: We strive to create fun and courageous spaces that foster human connection. We do so through small acts of kindness and by supporting organizations who are already doing great work. We want to encourage all individuals to be kind: to themselves, to one another, and to their community.
Twice a year GirlGang teams up with Hudson’s Canada’s Pub to hold two special events. GirlGang hosts the annual Galentine’s event in support of YWCA Harbour House. YWCA Harbour House is a Women’s Emergency Shelter, a 30-bed crisis unit for women and children who are involved in abusive intimate partner relationships.
We also host an event every August. Get the Fundraiser Outside (GTFO) supports a different charity each year, and each of the GirlGang founders will have an opportunity to choose their charity of choice to be the recipient of our proceeds.
GirlGang also participates in lots of different local community events. Just last week we were out to support the Walk a Mile Event.
Island: Wow, it sounds like you guys are pretty bus. What would you say you are most proud of since starting GirlGang? How has your program improved over time?
GG: We are most proud of creating a culture of kindness. In the past two years, we have been able to grow organically and believe that being a grassroots group helps people feel connected to us, our vision, and this movement.
We’ve seen a steady growth in interest for our events such as Galentine’s Day + Get the Fundraiser Outside (we went from the small back room at Hudson’s Canada’s Pub to the whole bar this year, we had higher online ticket sales, we had more raffle tickets sold, etc…). I think that’s due to our fun and active presence in #YQL. Our presence has created more intrigue for people and they want to know how to get involved, to help, or simply just be apart of something that brings people together.
We receive emails from people in the community that have been impacted by our personal stories, community connections, or events, and believe that we are creating a safe space for people to come together, and inspire others to be kind, not only to themselves but to others and our community.
Island: You talk about having an active presence. Where does your website and digital presence fit within the success of your business?
GG: Organic. We started by existing on social media and found as we grew that we needed a website presence to further spread kindness in our community. By seeing the work and generosity of our community online, we see the progress of work and it gives us so much pride.
Island: What were your goals and vision when developing your new website?
GG: We wanted a website to create a gathering space. (We wanted to improve)The functionality of our website. We were growing and we were in need of an online store, online ticket sales. Our hope was to showcase all of the initiatives we had going on. It’s a way for us to capture the moments we have shared with our community.
Island: If you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking about creating or revamping their website, what would it be?
GG: Have a vision in your brand and allow the professionals to bring that vision to life.
Island: Ok GirlGang, if you were stranded on an island, what is the one thing you couldn’t live without ?
GG: To have the ultimate GirlGang island we’d need each other, and an unlimited champagne and snack bar.
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