News Release: Western Canada Soroptimists to Gather in Victoria for 89th Annual Conference
Victoria, BC — Soroptimist is an international volunteer organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.
Vital work of this nature had no time to stop a pandemic. In fact, the need for the programs and support of Soroptimists grew throughout 2020-2021. Clubs around the globe continued to meet virtually and develop creative ways to support the vulnerable in their communities.
This meant that the annual Western Canada Region Conference, which is held each spring, was hosted virtually both years – definitely a first for this group of women.
Finally, after two years, Soroptimists from across Western Canada will be able to come together in person. Victoria, on beautiful Vancouver Island, will play host to over 100 Soroptimists from across the four western provinces. British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Conference Chair Terry Parent extended a heartfelt thank you to the local business sponsors of portions of the weekend. “Women in Real Estate have sponsored the Opening Reception for delegates on Thursday evening. The Memorial Service held on Friday has been sponsored by Earth Option Memorial Services. The support of local businesses for the conference and our club’s ongoing programs is key to our success and very much appreciated”
Region Governor Suzanne Heron commented on the inspiration behind the conference theme Building Back Better. “The theme was inspired by my recent attendance at the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women. What really fired me up was the information about how recovery from the pandemic - in economies, in health, security, food and shelter, in the future of our planet - all depend on gender equality. Without women in decision-making positions, no society will regain even what we have lost, let alone move forward in a sustainable path.”
Taking place from April 28-30, delegates will be welcomed by Elizabeth May, MP Saanich-Gulf Islands who has prepared a video message for attendees. Dr Bonnie Henry, (Provincial Health Officer for British Columbia), and Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps will be attending in person and sharing their messages with Soroptimists.
Soroptimist International of the Americas President Kazuko Morita will provide a welcome via video to those in attendance.
Delegates will take part in presentations by:
· Charmaine Hammond, Hammond International - “Public Awareness, Building Back Better Media & Community Relations”
· Tanna Edwards, Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA) Board Member - “Federation Address”
· Joan McArthur Blair, Co-President of McArthur-Blair Consulting - Keynote Address: “Building Back Better”
The Live Your Dream Award Luncheon, which is always a highlight of the weekend, will be held on Saturday, April 30th. Each club selects recipients for Live Your Dream Awards in its community. The top recipients name is then forwarded to the Region to be reviewed and recipients for an additional award selected. Every year, Soroptimist distributes more than $2.8 million in education awards to about 1,700 women all over the world.
Over half of the Live Your Dream Awards recipients are survivors of domestic violence, trafficking or sexual assault. Nearly all of the women and families have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, teen pregnancy and drug or alcohol addiction. Live Your Dream Awards recipients may use the cash award to offset costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as books, childcare, tuition and transportation.
Saturday evening will see the installation of Officers to serve the Region for the next biennium. The installation will take place at the Closing Banquet and be conducted by Sharon Fisher, Immediate Past President of Soroptimist International and SIA Board Member Tanna Edwards.
Attendees will return to their home clubs ready to “Build Back Better”: re-charged and with skills to bring about change while ensuring that the programs and projects already in place are best suited to serve the women and girls in their communities.