Woo-hoo! Barb Harrison!

After spending several years as the only woman shop steward with United Steelworkers Union Local 2251, Barbara Harrison took a trip to Africa to celebrate her 50th birthday.

That trip completely transformed her life.

Harrison volunteered in a village in Kenya for part of her time in Africa and fell in love with the people of that village.

She was one of six local role models who have contributed to the betterment of women and who were honoured last night by the Business and Professional Women's Club (BPW) of Sault Ste. Marie.

The women were nominated by local citizens according to the following criteria:

- Willingness to assist other women to cope with personal crisis.

- Examples as positive role models.

- Perseverance to break into new territory for women and make it easier for others to follow.

- Dedication to donate time and energy to work on issues that are important to women.

- Outstanding work for social change and life improvements.

- Consistent willingness to volunteer within the community.

One woman was chosen for each day of the week from Monday to Friday and Harrison was chosen as the 20th woman of the week for the Women's Week awards.

During her time in Africa, Harrison kept a journal and, when some of the children saw her writing in it, they asked if they could write something too, she said.

"I thought they would write about their gratitude for the things I brought them. But instead, they wrote about how much they appreciated the time I spent with them and that I actually cared about them," she said. "They were amazed that someone would come half-way around the world because she cares about them."

Harrison said she plans to return to Africa for a short time again soon and that, after she retires in about seven more years, she plans to build an orphanage in the town that has become her home away from home.

Here's what BPW Sault Ste. Marie had to say about this year's award recipients.

************************* Woman of the week - Barbara Harrison

Long time United Steelworker member of Local 2251, Steward and member of Leadership program. Affiliated with Transform a Person Africa (TAPA). See her blog about her time in Africa. She is returning to Africa this month.

Monday - Carolyn Harrington

Retired lecturer from Algoma University. Received Canada 125 Medal and Senate Award Recipient from Algoma University. Founding member of Soo Craft Association and Friends of Lake Superior. Loves the outdoors and is an avid weaver.

Tuesday - Susan Milne

Master gardener, horticulturalist, and environmentalist. Self-employment benefit officer at the Sault Ste. Marie CDC. On board of Pauline's Place and a regular columnist in the Sault Star. Member of parks & recreation for last 12 years.

Wednesday - Sandra Houston

Executive director for the Arts Council of Sault Ste. Marie & District,. With Sault Theatre Workshop, Musical Comedy Guild, Opera Society and Stage North, a grant-writer extraordinaire, CFO of her church, proven successful fundraising chair.

Thursday - Marnie Stone

Third-generation owner of Stone's Office Equipment, i Solutions and distributor for Send-Out Cards. Has held positions and/or supported Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH), Algoma Food Network, Alzheimer Society, Canadian Red Cross, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie, and Race for the Cure and the list grows.

Friday - Debbie Amaroso

First woman mayor in Sault Ste. Marie, bringing many years of experience on city committees and volunteer commitment to groups outside City Hall. Program manager with Ontario March of Dimes. Proud mother of two and an avid golfer.

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