Why these nine ladies were presented flowers on International Women's Day (9 photos)

NEWS RELEASE
ZONTA SERVICE CLUB
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As a celebration of International Women’s Day and Zonta Rose Day on March 8, the Zonta Club of Sault Ste. Marie Area presented a yellow rose to nine women who have made outstanding contributions to our local community. The following were honoured:

    •    Cacelia Trahan - a role model, leader, social justice activist and founder of Youth Odena, an organization designed to give a supportive and positive space for youth in our community
    •    Norie Tapiru-Cormack - recognized for her volunteer work to improve the lives of others, including women in the Philippines where she sends a shipping container filled with clothing and useful items on a regular basis
    •    Sherri Pearse-Johnson - a determined and willing supporter of important community causes, including Christmas Cheer, Women in Crisis, Vincent’s Place, Days for Girls, often organizing at her workplace to assist these causes
    •    Maria Parrella-Ilaria - recognized for her work as project coordinator of ArtSpeaks, a project that uses art to develop resilience in women impacted by sexual violence, addictions and mental health challenges
    •    Desire Mitchell - a role model for her strong commitment to women’s issues through her volunteer work with a drumming group for young indigenous girls at Eastview School
    •    Shannon Gowans - recognized for her outstanding volunteer work with Kiwanis Aktion Club, Rotary Easter Seals, Days for Girls and No Limits Adaptive Ski Association - a role model for all
    •    Nicole Dyble - recognized for creating an innovative community hub for all at the Gore Street Café - social entrepreneurship at its best
    •    Brenda Cooper - volunteer coordinator at the Sault Community Career Centre and works tirelessly to organize community supports for government-sponsored refugee families that have come to the Sault from war-torn countries
    •    Deb Clark - recognized for her work in the Refugee Resettlement Program as she assists families in adapting to their new lives in Canada - she is a role model to all volunteers in the program

“We have been honouring women in our community since 2006 and are always amazed at the variety of experience, ages and strengths of these community leaders. Presenting each of these wonderful women with a yellow rose on International Women’s Day is a simple act of recognition for the contributions they have made to Sault Ste. Marie and area and/or globally. They are part of a special group of women honoured across the world on Zonta Rose Day. The Zonta club is proud and privileged to do this,” said Heather Edwards, president of the local club.

Zonta is a global organization of members working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. The Zonta Club of Sault Ste. Marie Area is celebrating its 40th year of service in the community.

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