Why Kathy is all smiles

Kathy McAuley Yukich has a lot to smile about, aside from it being International Women's Week.

The long-time Sault Ste. Marie volunteer was presented with the Leading Women Building Communities Award by MPP David Orazietti today during a ceremony at the Civic Centre as friends, family and coworkers cheered her community dedication.

As a volunteer, she has devoted years to area heritage sites, including the Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site, the Sault Ste. Marie Museum, and the Canadian Heritage Bushplane Centre, and played a key role in the development of the City's new Heritage Discovery Centre located adjacent to the Ermatinger Old Stone House.

"Kathy has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of our community. She's played a vital role in helping protect, preserve and present our heritage so that it can be enjoyed by present, as well as future generations," said Orazietti. "I nominated Kathy for this award because I believe it's not only important to recognize her achievements and applaud her as a role model, but also to encourage others who may be interested in volunteering in our community."

"I'm so humbled by this award. It is an honour and I accept it on behalf of all women who in their own quiet way contribute so much to their family and their community," Kathy McAuley Yukich said during the ceremony. "This [award] is going to the Heritage Discovery Centre."

A news release issued today by the office of MPP David Orazietti follows.

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Orazietti presents Ontario Leading Women Building Communities Award to Kathryn McAuley Yukich

Ontario government recognizes local leader

SAULT STE. MARIE - The province is recognizing Sault Ste. Marie resident Kathryn “Kathy” McAuley Yukich for her long-term community involvement and dedication to volunteerism with a prestigious Leading Women Building Communities Award, David Orazietti MPP announced today.

“I am pleased to have the honour of presenting Kathy McAuley Yukich with an award that recognizes her unwavering commitment in preserving the cultural heritage of our community,” said Orazietti. “I believe it is important to recognize the achievements of outstanding women, such as Kathy, both as a role model and to encourage others who might be interested in volunteering in our community.”

Established in 2006, Ontario’s Leading Women Building Communities Award recognizes women whose exceptional leadership has improved the lives of others in their communities.

“International Women’s Week invites us to recognize the achievements of women and girls around the world. The women and girls we honour this year have made positive differences in their communities through action and leadership, inspiring others and making communities in Ontario stronger,” said Teresa Piruzza, Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues.

Kathy was nominated by MPP David Orazietti for this award.

Kathy has volunteered in Sault Ste. Marie for over 30 years working towards the preservation of Sault Ste. Marie’s cultural heritage.

During this time, she has been a volunteer at the Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site, with over 20 years on the City of Sault Ste. Marie’s Historic Sites Board, of which she is currently the Chair.

Kathy also assists with the promotion and development of other cultural and historical groups associated with local heritage including the Sault Ste. Marie Museum, Algoma Art Gallery and the Canadian Heritage Bushplane Museum.

Since 2006, Kathy has led the planning, advocacy and development of the Heritage Discovery Centre which, when completed this summer, will boost local tourism and provide year-round educational programming for students.

“I would like to accept this honour on behalf of all women who, in their own quiet way, contribute so much to family and community… Women, like my daughters, who continually amaze me,” said Kathy McAuley Yukich.

Celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women across the province supports the government’s plan to work together as One Ontario, to build a successful, vital province where everyone has the opportunity to connect, contribute and achieve their goals.

Quick facts

Since the launch of the Leading Women/Leading Girls, Building Communities Awards in 2006, Ontario has recognized over 400 women and girls province-wide.

March 8 has been recognized as International Women’s Day around the world since 1977. The annual celebration highlights women’s economic, political and social achievements.

Learn more

More about International Women's Week around the world.

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