It disturbs me that critical services for women are underfunded and that our governments make little effort to provide support to those agencies who have shown, repeatedly, their worth.

Several years ago now, the YWCA came up with a unique way to honour women and raise much-needed funds at the same time. Ever since, an event dubbed Women of Distinction Awards Gala is held and many thousands of dollars are raised to fund vital programs such as that provided by the Isabel Johnson Shelter and the YWCA residence for women.

This year’s event takes place on May 1 and you will find the details here. The list of nominees includes several women I have worked with over the years and I wish them the best for simply being noticed for the work they do, but more importantly, for doing the work they do within our community. Without their commitment, we would notice a signifant gap in our community.

So, get your tickets and let’s hear your applause for this year’s nominees:

The Arts

Martha Cole

Jeannie Mah

Community Leadership & Enhancement

Ingrid Alesich

Holly Nagel

Robyn Betker

Jeanette Gelowitz

Angelica Barth

Barb Dedi

Contribution to a Rural Community

Jo Mader

Cultural Heritage

Camille Bell

Katherine Chang

Tracey Dunnigan

Education

Heather Salloum

Lynn Carr

Keitha Adams

Norma Wildeman

Deb Ash

Entrepreneurship

Donna Bially

January Kardash

Elaine F Burnett

Leslie Charlton

Leadership & Management

Patricia Warsaba

Gail Rosseker

Lifetime Achievement

Elaine Yeomans

Jeanne Perry

Wanda Prettyshield

Science, Technology & Environment

Paule Hjertaas

Kim Dohms

Teamwork

Osteoporosis Canada Regina Chapter

Regina Ecoliving

Friends for Life

Daughter’s of Africa International Inc

Forever Friends of Hope Foundation Inc.

Wellness,Recreation & Healthy Living

Lisa Brownstone

Heather Stevenson

Carla Nicholls

Peggy Martin-McGuire

Young Woman of Distinction

Janet Moleski

Sheenah Ko

Rachel Mielke

Nicole Olszewski