Archive for June, 2009

13 recipients of the 2009 Annual Women of Distinction Awards®

Thursday, June 4th, 2009

MEDIA RELEASE
June 4, 2009 For Immediate Release
13 women become recipients at the 2009 Annual Women of Distinction Awards®.

Since its inception in 1981, the YWCA Saskatoon Women of Distinction Awards® has honoured the outstanding achievements of women in and around our city. Nearly 200 women from all walks of life have been recognized through the Women of Distinction Awards over the past 27 years – for their achievements and accomplishments as mentors, volunteers, activists, teachers, leaders and researchers – and last night 13 more women became recipients of these prestigious awards.

The 2009 Women of Distinction Awards went to:

Art, Culture & Heritage Dianne Wilson
Athletics Lisa Thomaidis
Community Building Janie Funk
Education Diane Côté
Entrepreneurship Colleen Tait and Juanita Schindel – The Sandbox in the City
Health & Wellness Tie: Dr. Susan Shaw & Evelyn Reisner
Lifetime Achievement Tie: Sharon Fyke & Shirley Ryan
Leadership & Management Heather Kuttai
Science, Technology & Research Deborah Black
Youth Laura Beddome

Nearly 600 people attended the Women of Distinction Awards, YWCA Saskatoon’s single largest fundraising event of the year. “YWCA Saskatoon is a pillar of our community, and this event is our largest fundraising event of the year. It enables us to continue providing the programming and services the community of Saskatoon has come to rely on,” says Barb Macpherson, Executive Director, YWCA Saskatoon.

YWCA Saskatoon is: A Shelter in times of Crisis; An Employment Support in times of Transition; A Childcare Provider for working Mothers; A Foundation in the pursuit of Health & Wellness.

Working to eliminate poverty, violence and homelessness for women and their families.

To request further comment, please contact:

Genine Neufeld

Director of Development and Communications, YWCA Saskatoon
Ph: 244-7034 ext. 132
E: gneufeld@ywcasaskatoon.com

Social good is changing lives in Saskatoon one party at a time

Thursday, June 4th, 2009

MEDIA RELEASE June 4, 2009 For Immediate Release

Social Good is changing lives in Saskatoon one party at a time.

Issues of poverty, homelessness and violence take a whole community to begin to overcome. And YWCA is launching a new movement aimed at giving every individual an opportunity to be part of the solution. The theme of Social Good is: Have a Party. Add a Purpose. Build a better Y. Now is the time to join the movement to make a difference by supporting the women and children who call upon the YWCA for support and shelter at turning points in their lives.

Over the past decade, individuals throughout the city have been part of a grassroots movement to eliminate poverty, homelessness and violence in our community. They have been hosting Christmas parties or Chef classes, organizing moms groups, writing letters to ask their friends to join the cause…and a few creative young girls have even gone Christmas caroling. These philanthropists have one thing in common – a desire to see women and children living free of violence, poverty and homelessness. Together, they have contributed money and items necessary to support the thousands of women and children who must use YWCA services each year. Together they are making real and positive changes in the health of our community as they empower women and their families to envision and discover a better future.

Social Good will be formally launched Tuesday December 1 at Travelodge Saskatoon, in partnership with Magic 98.3.

Media are invited to attend the launch event from 7:30-8:30 am on December 1.For more information about events, to receive more information on Social Good or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Genine Neufeld

Director of Development and Communications, YWCA Saskatoon
Ph: 244-7034 ext. 132
E: gneufeld@ywcasaskatoon.com