On the weekend of September 21st and 22nd, over 60 members of Western Canada Region came together in Abbotsford, BC for our annual retreat.
Friday night, those that had already arrived gathered at Moxies for a networking evening, where we caught up with old friends and met new friends.
Entertainer and stand up comic Lizzie Allen bravely shared her personal journey with us. After many years of addiction and mental illness, Lizzie started Addictive Comedy which trains recovering addicts to share their journey using stand up comedy.
Lois Taylor provided information on the Gender Equality Forum to be held February 29th at the Inn at the Quay in New Westminster. This is a Western Canada Region sponsored event, so everyone is encouraged to attend.
The afternoon started with a World Café which provided the members information on all the pillars as the pillar chairs hosted tables to facilitate an opportunity for members to ask questions and the share successes.
The daytime sessions ended with the viewing of Period. End of a Sentence a video about empowering women in India to make and sell sanitary products to their fellow villagers.
In the evening the Soroptimist Foundation of Canada hosted dinner and its Annual General Meeting. It provided everyone with information on where their donations to the Foundation are being used. One of the recipients of funding provided us with her moving story.
On Sunday, Governor Melanie gave her report on the Soroptimist International Convention in Kuala Lumpur. The highlight for her being in attendance when Western Canada Region member Sharon Fisher was installed as President.
Colleen Schmidt provided us with an update on the SIA Convention in Bellevue Washington. It is close enough for most members in Western Canada Region to attend. Let’s have a great turnout of members.
Linda Cunliffe, SI Surrey/Delta encouraged everyone to attend the Western Canada Region Conference 2020 at the Metrotown Hilton April 30 to May 2. See you there!!!
Of course we all Soropt-Till We Dropped, raising money to be donated to the President’s Appeal. Thanks to all who participated.
Hope everyone who attended enjoyed the weekend. I know I did.
Until next year
Submitted by Governor Elect Roseanne Ham