Women's House marks 30 years of community service; gears up for International Women's Day

The staff and board of Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey have unveiled a video, marking 30 years of community support and service. The production of the video was donated by Adam Olivero, with support from Bruce Telecom and Wightman Telecom, and highlights the history of the shelter.
 

“This year-long celebration will provide an opportunity for Women's House to thank our community for 30 years of support,” said Lisa Owen, interim executive director. “Our doors would simply not be open without the generosity of volunteer hours and monetary support from our community.”



Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey video marking 30 years of community support and service
 

As part of the celebration of 30 years of community support and service, the Women's House is launching its 30 for 30 campaign to raise much-needed funds to support unfunded and underfunded programs for women and children in the community.  The agency is asking community members to donate $1 for each year the house has been operational or to increase donations by $30 to meet a fund-raising target of $30,000 over the coming year.

“Not all our programs are fully funded by the government,” said Owen. “For example, our Second-Stage Housing receives no funding and would not exist without the generous support of our community.”

In photo at right, Brenda Vanderploeg (L) of the Chantry Singers presents a cheque for $1,651 to Tiffany Love of Women's House. The Chantry Singers hold an annual Lessons and Carols Service just before Christmas and raise much-needed funds for Women's House. This year, the singers' event was a Cantata: "Angels of Christmas;" photo courtesy of Women's House
 

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Meanwhile, Women's House is gearing up for the annual International Women's Day, set for March 8, 2016, at the Lakeshore Recreation Centre in Port Elgin. For that event, organizers are seeking nominations for the Woman of Distinction award.

 

“Over the years, there have been some phenomenal women nominated," said community and fund development co-ordinator Tiffany Love. “It’s a beautifully heart-warming experience to receive those nominations and to celebrate those women for how they have touched the world. Please, if you know a woman of distinction, take the time to nominate her. There’s ample time still to gather the information and put together a strong application.”

 

Nominators are encouraged to submit a 250- to 500-word biography explaining why this person should be recognized as a Woman of Distinction.

The following criteria is used as a guide in determining the winner:

 

• Provides inspiration and motivation to others
• Recognized as a positive role model through example, mentoring and education
• Consistently displays leadership qualities
• Promotes and supports equality, improved opportunities and choices in the community
• Demonstrates vision, innovation or creativity and the courage to take risks
• Advocates positive changes in society through the impact of her activities, particularly for women and girls
• Must be a resident of Bruce County or Grey County

 

Nominations for the annual Woman of Distinction awards will be accepted until Feb/ 5. 2-17, at 4 p.m. The winner will be announced at the International Women’s Day.

 

Send nominations to Love by mail at Box 760, Kincardine, Ontario, N2Z 2Z4, by E-mail at tlove@whsbg.on.ca or by fax at 519-396-7800. If you have any questions or concerns about nominations, International Women’s Day or Women’s House in general, contact Love at 519-396-9814, Ext..225.