NEWS RELEASE
YMCA-YWCA OF GUELPH
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For 25 years, the YMCA-YWCA of Guelph’s Women of DistinctionTM celebrations have honoured hundreds of local women who are breaking new ground and raising community in Guelph and Wellington County.
Scientists, community leaders, athletes, advocates, women in business, trades and the public sector have all shared the stage and the spotlight. They’ve inspired the community with their stories of innovation, resilience, grit and success and raised funds for key programs in the process.
The Y wants to know “who’s next?” and opened nominations for the 2020 Women of DistinctionTM Awards today.
“The Guelph Y was really a trailblazer when they launched these awards 25 years ago,” says 2020 Honorary Chair, Dominique O’Rourke, who points out the ongoing relevance. “Women of DistinctionTM was far ahead of the curve by seizing the notion of ‘you need to see me to be me’ which is popular now. At the time, the focus was on the exceptional few. Now that’s broadened to what we can do together and, unfortunately, acknowledging there’s still work to be done.”
Showcasing exceptional women at the annual spring gala is still a key component of Women of DistinctionTM, as well as raising funds for important community programs run by the Guelph Y.
YMCA-YWCA of Guelph CEO, Geoff Vogt, explains “The impact beyond the evening is really what it’s all about. The Women of DistinctionTM event raises funds to support Guelph Y programs for girls and women at all stages in life in Guelph and Wellington County, including the Teenage Parents Program (a program that supports the personal growth and development of pregnant and parenting teens and their families and connects them with valuable resources), the Power of Being YOU Conference (a one day conference for young femme-identified youth that helps them build self-esteem and raises awareness about healthy relationships) and Encore (a holistic program for women who have experienced breast cancer).”
Nominations are now open for the 2020 Women of DistinctionTM season and will remain open until Friday, Jan. 17, 2020. Nominations can be submitted either in person or online.
For more information on how to nominate an incredible woman who deserves recognition please visit www.guelphy.org/nominate or pick up a nomination package at the YMCA-YWCA of Guelph, 130 Woodland Glen Drive in Guelph.
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