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Women of Distinction honoured
Someday, the world will be safe for women.
That was the hope of Diane Redsky, co-winner the Circle of Inspiration category for the Women of Distinction Awards. She asked the 950 guests at the gala "to create a society where women are safe and free from violence."
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Redsky, Joy Smith and Dianna Bussey are three remarkable women united in their determination to end human trafficking.
Bussey is the chairwoman of the Human Trafficking Response Team in Winnipeg, Redsky, an aboriginal advocate and Smith is a Winnipeg MP whose private member’s bill brought in the first mandatory minimum penalities for trafficking in Canada’s Criminal Code.
This year’s annual YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction awards drew a record number of nominations and a ballroom full of supporters and family in evening dress.
Some 950 attended the gala dinner at the Winnipeg Convention Centre Wednesday night.
Every one of the 79 nominated women had a moment in the spotlight on stage as her accomplishments were announced and she was formally introduced at the gala. The MC was CTV Winnipeg news anchor Maralee Caruso. Entertainment was music from the city’s award-winning DJ Mama Cutsworth.
The annual presentation of these awards reflects the Y’s commitment to increase public recognition of these women who have earned our admiration and respect.
This year’s nominations represented nearly a 60 per cent increase over last year’s total.
Simply put, that means the awards are important to Manitoba, which is immensely gratifying for organizers.
"We have received a record number of nominations, we have 79 nominations and we have over 950 guests here so for me, the recognition from the community and the interest in the event makes this evening outstanding for me," said Betty Black, head of the awards committee.
The event wins support from corporate sponsors and proceeds go to support community programs.
The awards are a celebration of talent, achievement, imagination and innovation, honouring Manitoba women who have made a "unique and exemplary contribution to the development of others in our community," according to the organization.
The winner’s circle:
ARTS: Catharine Teichroew
CIRCLE OF INSPIRATION: Dianna Bussey, Diane Redsky and Joy Smith
CULTURE: Tina Chen
EDUCATION: Karen Botting
LEADERSHIP: Jeannette Montufar
PUBLIC AWARENESS: Anna-Celestrya Carr
SCIENCE: Maureen Heaman
VOLUNTARISM: Chau Pham
HEALTHY LIVING: Janice Lukes
YOUNG WOMAN OF DISTINCTION: Amanda Furst
Winners of awards of promise, which carry a $2,000 scholarship for graduating Grade 12 students, are:
GERRIE HAMMOND: Alana Robert
PRAIRIE AWARD: Kelby Loeppky.
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