Women of distinction to be feted May 3

BY GIANNI UBRIACO

Thousands of local women go to work everyday and have become an integral part of their organization, but all too often their efforts go unnoticed in the community. That's why YWCA Sudbury President Deborah Knuff was proud to announce recently their second annual Women of Distinction Awards Gala will take place Saturday, May 3 at the Radisson Hotel.

"If these women in our community all decided to go on a holiday all at the same time, you can be certain the community would grind to a halt, so we're proud to be able to shine a spotlight on that good work that otherwise might go unnoticed," Knuff said. "Through the Women of Distinction Awards, the YWCA will honour area women who've made a significant contribution to our community, particularly in the lives of women and girls."

She added the event is unique in the fact that it recognizes the contributions of women in ten different categories, including arts and culture, business and professionals, communications/media, community action, education and training, entrepreneurship, health and wellness, social justice, sports and active living, as well as science, engineering, trades and technology.

In all, five women of distinction will be awarded for their commitment, contribution, and advocacy towards improving the lives of women and girls in the local community. Additionally, one young woman between the age of 16 and 30 will be acknowledged for making a difference to her school and/or community and for being a positive role model for other young women. Finally, a group of women will be singled out for their contributions in any one or a combination of the different categories. 

All of the proceeds from the fundraising event will go towards their Power of Being a Girl program, which was first launched in the fall of 2006. The executive director for the Sudbury branch, Colette Prevost, said she believes the unique conference, which involves bringing together a number of girls from area schools in a day of discussion through a peer mentoring model with young women from area high schools, is a good way to grow young women into successful leaders so they too can be women of distinction.

"The intent is to offer an opportunity for young women, typically between ages 12 to 14, an occasion to address issues of self-esteem, empowerment, strength building, and collaboration, and to come together  in a way of addressing their opportunities to provide leadership to their committees," she explained.

Several previous winners from their first gala were on hand for the big announcement, including representatives from the women's committee of the Steel Workers Local 2020, the founder of Wild Women Expeditions, Beth Mairs, as well as a health promoter with the Sudbury and district Health Unit and the first ever professor of Aboriginal Health and Well-Being at Laurentian University.

"It was a great honour and I'm pleased that the YWCA decided to launch the awards," Mairs said. "To be one of the recipients, it will always be one of the most important things. The  award is to recognize women who are trying to improve the lives of girls, and that meant a lot to me because I hope that's what I'm doing."

Ghislaine Goudreau, a health educator who has received a YWCA award in recent years, said she "was humbled by the experience and I think a lot of times, women are the people that are doing good work behind the scenes; they're kind of like the glue of the family, of the community, and of organizations."

"There are a lot of resilient women and young girls out there, but sometimes they need a little extra nurturing to see their gifts and strengths, and hopefully that's what we're helping them with," she added.

Already scheduled to perform at the gala are pianist Charlene Biggs and Sara-Lyn Hutchison, singer Patricia Cano, and Sudbury Secondary School's famous Vocamotion. Various local women artists will also take part in the silent auction, while the special MC will be Madame Justice Patricia Hennessy. Tickets can be purchased for $75 per person at the YWCA Sudbury office on 370 St. Raphael Street, or at Chapters, A and J Home Hardware, Black Cat, Jan Browning, Mimi and Lulu's and Paris Natural International Foods.

YWCA Sudbury is a registered charity and a volunteer women's organization, plus it's part of a world-wide movement dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls.

YWCA Canada is Canada's oldest women's organization as they've worked for the past 136 years to express the spirit, struggle, and dedication of women who have fought for improved status of women in the country for over 100 years. Today, they remain the largest women's multi-service organization in the country providing essential services to a million teens and women and their families in 200 communities across the nation.

For a nomination form, contact their office at 673-4754, ext. 224, or visit their website at www.ywcasudbury.ca , but the deadline is Feb. 29.