YWCA Cambridge Proudly Announces Recipients of the 25th Anniversary Women of Distinction Awards

Mar 12, 2019 | Blog

YWCA Cambridge is proud to announce the winners of the 25th Anniversary Women of Distinction awards:

Non-Profit or Public Service – Helen Kelly
Lifetime Achievement – Gail Smyth
Social Action & Advocacy – Karen Maleka
Champion of Women and Girls – Mairi Anderson
Wellness, Sport & Recreation – Tania Heinemann Kelsall
Turning Point – Temilade Olayiwola-Oriji
Business & Entrepreneurship – Kathilee Porter
Education & Mentorship – Stacey Jacobs
Volunteerism – Yvonne Kaine
Young Woman of Distinction – Emily Dwornikiewicz

A collage of pictures from the Women of Distinction alumni and nominee reception.
Photos courtesy Emily Beatty Imagery

YWCA Cambridge thanks all the nominators who took the time to recognize the women who inspire them, and for shedding light on their inspiring achievements and outstanding commitment to their communities.

Congratulations to this year’s Women of Distinction award recipients. Recipients will receive their awards at the 25th Anniversary Women of Distinction Gala on Wednesday March 27 at Galt Country Club. For tickets and event details, visit ywcacambridge.ca.

Since 1994, The Women of Distinction Gala has been YWCA Cambridge’s premiere fundraising event, recognizing more than 300 women for their contributions to their communities. All funds raised through the event support YWCA Cambridge’s programs for women, girls and nonbinary youth.

YWCA Cambridge, a trusted community leader, gives a voice to the needs of women, girls and nonbinary youth through innovative and responsive programs, services and advocacy.

Click here for a list of all Women of Distinction alumni from 1994-2018.

News Release

CAMBRIDGE, ON – YWCA Cambridge is thrilled to announce that Soroptimist International of Cambridge has joined Greentec as a matching partner for their fundraising campaign to support the opening of a new shelter for women and gender-diverse individuals experiencing homelessness in Cambridge. This partnership is vital to reaching the campaign goal of $125,000, which will cover the costs of fully furnishing and outfitting the shelter located in the lower level of Grace Bible Church, downtown Galt.

Local businesses have shown exceptional support for this initiative, with Greentec leading the way by matching every donation dollar for dollar up to $5,000. Their generosity inspired Soroptimist International of Cambridge to step forward with an additional $10,000 in matching donations.

“We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support we’ve received from the Cambridge and broader community,” said Kim Decker, CEO of YWCA Cambridge. “Having Soroptimist join Greentec as a matching partner is an incredible testament to how businesses and organizations are coming together to ensure that women and gender-diverse individuals in our community have a safe space to call home while they worked towards meeting their housing needs. Soroptimist’s commitment to this cause helps us bring this essential shelter to life, and we are thankful for their leadership and compassion.”

Soroptimist Club President Joni Gosselin spoke about the long-standing relationship between the organization and YWCA Cambridge, noting, “Soroptimist International of Cambridge has been in partnership with YWCA for many, many years. Our mission, to better the lives of women and gender-diverse individuals, starts here. Providing a safe roof over one’s head, a warm bed, a nourishing meal, and people who care is what we strive for. Our donation will help meet the basic needs of community members who have been living without them. People are often unaware of how many women are without homes, and we thank YWCA for their vision in making this essential dream a reality.”

Once open, YWCA Cambridge’s shelter will be the only one dedicated specifically to women and gender-diverse individuals in the region. The 20-bed shelter will operate 24/7, offering on-site services that address both mental and physical health needs, along with other therapeutic and culturally responsive services. This shelter aims to provide a safe, supportive space for individuals who are experiencing homelessness in the community.

The campaign will continue until the end of the year. To donate and support the shelter initiative, please visit www.ywcacambridge.ca.

For more information, contact Roz Gunn, Director of Communications and Advocacy at YWCA Cambridge, via email at r.gunn@ywcacambridge.ca.

About Soroptimist International of Cambridge:


Soroptimist believes in the power of women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals to shape their own destinies when given the right support. Through their work in 120 countries, Soroptimists create opportunities for women and girls to rise above challenges and transform their lives.

About YWCA Cambridge:


For 75 years, YWCA Cambridge has been a leader in providing responsive programming and services that meet the evolving needs of women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. As a member of YWCA Canada, YWCA Cambridge is part of the country’s oldest and largest multi-service women’s organization.