Donations wanted for One Enchanted Evening
February 2, 2012 by alisonf
Soroptimist International of the TriCities is embarking on a great initiative with the school district – the Enchantment Project, which provides high school graduates in need with formal attire so that they can attend their graduation festivities with pride. Without assistance these students could not afford to participate in celebrating this important milestone.
Selected TriCities students (referred by their school counsellors and youth workers) will get to participate in the ‘One Enchanted Evening’ on March 8th, 2012. Escorted by Soroptimist and other “ambassadors”, the attendees will visit a variety of stations for dress selection, hair dressing, make-up, chocolate fountain and appetizers. As well, Life Touch will be doing complimentary grad pictures. A seamstress will be on site to coordinate alterations, and the participants will be leaving with their attire, gift bags of goodies and a certificate for hair styling on the night of their respective grads.
We are hoping to have a wonderful variety of dresses, shawls, purses, jewellery, shoes, etc… to have available for these young women to select. If you have bridesmaid dresses, new year’s gowns, cocktail outfits just sitting at the back of your closet because you are now so fit and fabulous they are all too big for you, these items can go to a great cause! All sizes are welcome; the only requirement is that items be in good shape. Glittery gowns, shiny shoes, baubles and bangles…all items are welcome.
If you can help us out, email us at info@soroptimisttricities.org
2nd Soroptimist “Give Her Wings” Gala – March 31st, 2012
January 15, 2012 by alisonf
Join Soroptimist International of the TriCities for a wonderful evening of entertainment, appetizers and amazing prizes at the 2nd Annual Give Her Wings Gala.
James, Tara & Amy at the 2011 Gala
Featuring rock & blues musician Al Foreman and strolling magician Alex Seaman.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
The Inlet Theatre – 100 Newport Drive, Port Moody
Cocktail Reception 6:30
Entertainment 7:30
Tickets only $55
No children please.
To purchase a ticket email us at sitricities@soroptimist.net
Featuring:
- Sumptuous appetizers from Design by Desire Catering
Divine by Desire Catering
- Amazing auction items
- Presentation of the Soroptimist Ruby, Women’s Opportunity & Violet Richardson Awards
- Raffle for the latest iPad
- Raffle for a Coach bag & wallet
- Fabulous entertainment
Proceeds to support:
- The “Give Her Wings” Girl Empowerment Workshops
- The Enchantment Project
- PoCoMo Youth Society Girls’ Sexual Health Kits
- The Soroptimist Ruby, Violet Richardson, and Women’s Opportunity Awards
- A Warm Place for Women
Councillors Diana Dilworth from Port Moody, Linda Reimer & Selina Robinson from Coquitlam and now mayor of Port Moody, Mike Clay
* Photos courtesy of Coquitlam Snap
“Empowering Our Teen Girls” – Workshop
January 15, 2012 by alisonf
On February 18th, 2012, Soroptomist International of TriCities is proud to host
Empowering our Teen Girls: A SafeTeen Workshop – Powerful Alternatives to Violence
This enlightening and educational workshop for teen girls and parents or adult figures in their lives will focus on developing useful skills to empower us to cope with verbal, emotional, social & physical challenges we are exposed to every day. (Adults and the teens will be in separate rooms.)
This workshop includes:
- Developing skills for teen girls and parents
- Keeping teens and adults safe
- Addressing issues facing teen girls
- Helping girls cope with verbal, emotional and physical threats
- An in-depth Q&A session
An afternoon drumming circle will be hosted by Rhythm Wellness following lunch.
When: Saturday, February 18 2012 – 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Grade 7 & 8 Girls – Outlet Room, Leigh Square by City Hall on Shaughnessy Street. Adults – Port Coquitlam Rec. Center Green Room (2150 Wilson Ave)
Lunch: Delicious and hot meals for everyone!
Entertainment: Rhythm Wellness Drumming Circle for all participants
Cost: Adults – $10, Teens – no cost
RSVP: To register, or for more information, contact Linda at Lindakozina@gmail.com or 604-942-9793.
Soroptimist International of the TriCities is a service organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls locally and around the world. 
We are pleased to host this workshop featuring the skills of SafeTeen – a Canadian organization focused on building esteem and keeping kids safe.
www.soroptimisttricities.org
www.safeteen.ca
Funding partially provided by the Soroptimist Foundation of Canada
SI of the TriCities nominated for Non-Profit of the Year
October 17, 2011 by alisonf
Soroptimist International of the Tri-Cities has been nominated for the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce 2011 Business Excellence Awards in the category of Not for Profit of the Year.
Shortlisted nominees will be notified at the Nominees’ Luncheon, Thursday, October 27th, 2011 at the Westwood Plateau Country Club.
Congratulations to all of the nominees!
Soroptimist Flash Mob
October 13, 2011 by alisonf
On Saturday, September 17th, the crowds at Willowbrook Mall in Langley were treated to a Soroptimist Flash Mob. All the Soroptimists who attended the Western Canada Leadership Retreat that weekend shared the Soroptimist vision of improving the lives of women and girls around the world with the unsuspecting but appreciative crowd.
Short Version (4:15 min)
Long Version (9:59 min)
Do you know a woman who regularly makes a difference? If so, nominate her for a Ruby Award
October 2, 2011 by alisonf
Soroptimist Ruby Award: For Women Helping Women
The Soroptimist Ruby Award honors women who, through their professional or personal efforts, are making extraordinary differences in the lives of women or girls. Honorees are women who have worked to improve the lives of other women or girls. Their work has had a significant impact, and also inspires and encourages other women.
Women may nominate themselves or another woman they feel is deserving of this honor.
Please complete the writable nomination form and the short essay, and return them to the address on the form by December 1, 2011.
If you’ve got any questions, contact our awards chair and she’ll be happy to help you.
Apply for the Violet Richardson Award Now
October 2, 2011 by alisonf
- Are you a young woman between the ages of 14 and 17 who volunteers in your community or school?
- Do you see challenges instead of obstacles? Hope instead of despair?
If you are a young woman who believes in the power of volunteer action, then you may be eligible to win a Soroptimist Violet Richardson Award. This award recognizes young women who make the community and world a better place through volunteer efforts such as: fighting drugs, crime and violence; cleaning up the environment; and working to end discrimination and poverty. Volunteer actions that benefit women or girls are of particular interest.
Soroptimist is an organization of women whose members volunteer in their communities, often working
on the same problems that you do. Although we realize that volunteering is its own reward, we also
know it feels good to be recognized for your actions. And that’s why we sponsor this award.
Please submit your Awards Application by December 1, 2011 to the address listed on the application.
If you’ve got any questions, contact our awards chair and she’ll be happy to help you.
Apply for a Women’s Opportunity Award Now
October 2, 2011 by alisonf
- Do you provide the primary financial support for your family? (including children, spouse, siblings and/or parents).
- Do you have financial need?
- Are you enrolled in or have been accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program?
- Do you live in BC?
If you’ve answered yes to these questions (and if you have not previously been the recipient of a Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity Award), then complete writeable application form to be considered for a financial bursary. If you need help completing the application, contact our awards chair and she’ll be happy to help you.
The award can be used for tuition, books, childcare, carfare or any other education-related expense. Since the program’s inception in 1972, approximately $15 million in Women’s Opportunity Awards has been disbursed to about 25,000 women throughout the countries served by Soroptimist International of the America’s. Why not be one of these women?
We want to hear from you!
Applications are due by December 15, 2011.
Download Application Form (pdf)
Download Reference form (pdf)
Coquitlam Now – Soroptimist TriCities Wins Community Spirit Award
September 23, 2011 by alisonf
Tuesday marked the 11th annual Spirit of Community Awards, held at the Red Robinson Show Theatre in Coquitlam. The event, held in conjunction with the Taste of the Tri-Cities, featured MC Wim VanderZalm and entertainment by Joyelle Brandt.
Award winners included Helen Daniels, executive director of Arts Connect (Arts and Culture category), Soroptimist International of the Tri-Cities (Community Action), Ron Curties (Community Volunteerism), Vanessa LeBourdais (Environment), Chrissy Duncan (Neighbour to Neighbour), Best Buddies (Youth) and Diane Thorne (Douglas College Lifetime of Achievement in Honour of Myrna Popove).
View the Coquitlam Now article
Tri-City News – TriCities Soroptimist member voted onto SIA board of directors
September 21, 2011 by alisonf
A Coquitlam resident is now on the board of directors for the Soroptimist, an international volunteer organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls.
Angela Bunting, a home care nurse for Fraser Health, a committee member with Crossroads Hospice Society and a faculty member at Douglas College, will serve in her new position for two years in the strategic planning and program development for the organization as well as help it meet its Renaissance Campaign 2011 goals.
See TriCity News article.