Founded in 1992, the Women in Need Society, better known as WINS, has grown into one of Calgary’s largest charities serving women and children. The organization began by addressing a simple but critical problem: women leaving crisis situations often struggled to access basic needs, like clothing in a dignified way. WINS created a retail-based social enterprise that not only provides free clothing, furniture and household items respectfully but also generates funding for programs and employment training that help women and families rebuild stability.
Today, WINS operates seven stores, five community resource hubs, a 30,000-square-foot donation centre and a recycling business. Each new initiative expands the organization’s reach, turning a simple idea into a city-wide network of support.
Leadership and growth
Since joining WINS in 2017, Karen has guided the organization through remarkable growth. Now serving as President and CEO, she has focused on expanding WINS’ impact while staying true to its mission.
“We’ve been able to more than double the help we can give,” Karen said.
For her, it’s the people at WINS who makes the organization thrive. “More than half of our employees come through our community programs. They are incredibly kind, loyal, dedicated and hardworking. The mission and vision truly resonate with all of us. The people at WINS are what have kept me here and why growth continues to be a strong focus for us. ”
Karen highlights WINS’ model as a unique differentiator. “We’re a charity, but we’re running a business enterprise. We use the results of that business to generate revenue for community programs, while also embedding people within the business, employing and supporting them in a way that prioritizes respect, safety, and security. We invest in their growth so that they can succeed at work. Our people are what makes our organization successful.
Expanding impact and recognition
The organization’s innovative approach has earned recognition. Last year, WINS received the Social Entrepreneurship Award at the Calgary Small Business Awards.
“The team was incredibly proud and excited when we won the Social Entrepreneurship Award. We shared photos across our locations, and our leaders brought the award to different sites so teams could celebrate together. The whole organization felt pride. Its reinforced that what we are doing matters,” Karen said.
WINS continues to expand, having opened two new locations in 2024. “It’s allowed us to generate additional revenue, create more employment opportunities, and expand into two new communities, giving people in our city the opportunity to support one another.
The organization also launched a partnership with Bow Valley College to open a campus location specifically for students and staff.
“We run a basic needs program called House to Home and Bow Valley College has become a partner in the program. The revenue we generate is allocated back to them, allowing eligible students struggling with basic needs to access items at no cost in any WINS location,” Karen said.
Delivering on purpose
For Karen, the future is about scaling WINS’ model and testing its impact beyond Calgary.
“The WINS model is unique and powerful. I’d like to test it outside of Calgary one day and see if we could build something similar elsewhere. It’s important to demonstrate that WINS can work in different locations and cities, because I truly believe it can positively impact women who have experienced crisis and are living in poverty. Imagine if the WINS model could work across Canada.”
When it comes to inspiring other entrepreneurs in the community, Karen’s advice is grounded in experience.
“Be clear on your purpose from the start. Your business model should deliver on that purpose. Understand your numbers early and deeply. Financial discipline matters. Stay adaptable, learn and pivot from mistakes. Build the right team. Don’t try to do everything at once. And most importantly never be afraid to ask for help, especially from those who have already been successful on the journey you’re undertaking.”
WINS demonstrates how social enterprises can combine business innovation with community impact. Through continued growth, creative partnerships and recognition like the Calgary Small Business Awards, the organization is building a model that supports financial sustainability while transforming lives across Calgary… and potentially beyond.
To learn more about the Women in Need Society (WINS), visit winsyyc.ca.
Interested in your community impact being celebrated like WINS? Apply today for a Calgary Small Business Award: https://calgarychamber.com/small-business-week/calgary-small-business-awards/
