April 8, 2020
As uncertainty around when physical distancing measures will be lifted and in the interest of promoting the safety of all of our community members, YWCA Cambridge has made the difficult decision to postpone the 2020 Women of Distinction awards ceremony until 2021.
The ceremony, which was to be held at the Galt Country Club, was originally slated for March 23 and then postponed to June 17 as concerns around the spread of COVID-19 mounted, will now take place in March 2021.
“We’re of course very saddened to have to cancel this year’s ceremony,” said YWCA Cambridge Executive Director Kim Decker. “The Women of Distinction Awards have been a staple in the Cambridge and North Dumfries community for over 25 years now, and it’s the one event that really celebrates the amazing work that women do here.
“That said, we are so looking forward to having something to celebrate in 2021 when we bring both the 2020 and 2021 recipients together for another Women of Distinction celebration.”
The 2020 recipients, from top left to bottom right: Laura Kaster (Business & Entrepreneurship), Nicole Schiener (Non-Profit or Public Service), Siobhan Bonisteel (Social Action & Advocacy), April Bulmer (Arts & Culture), Sarah Kokoski (Education & Mentorship) and Jenni Bauer (Wellness, Sport & Recreation). Not pictured is Dianne Piluk (Volunteerism)
The loss of the event, which also helped the organization raise much-needed funds to support its programming with cis and trans women and girls and non-binary and two-spirit youth, is one of many losses the organization has faced in the recent weeks. With massive losses from child care fees due to YWCA’s four child care centres being shuttered for an undetermined length of time and the closure of Women International Gift & Gallery (WIGG), YWCA Cambridge’s social enterprise, the losses are expected to continue.
The Women of Distinction Awards are nationally recognized as one of the most prestigious awards for women in Canada. Since 1994, it has been YWCA Cambridge’s premiere fundraising event, recognizing more than 350 women who have worked tirelessly to improve lives, break down barriers and inspire future generations.
YWCA Cambridge, a trusted community leader, gives a voice to the needs of cis and trans women and girls and non-binary and two-spirit individuals through innovative and responsive programs, services and advocacy.
For more information: Kim Decker, Executive Director, YWCA Cambridge, k.decker@ywcacambridge.ca
