KINCARDINE – On March 10, local women, community change makers, and entrepreneurs gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day at the Kincardine Pavilion.
Together, Bruce County’s Business to Bruce program and Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey hosted An Evening with Women Leading Change.
Proceeds from tickets sales and additional donations raised a total of $3,905 for the Women’s House.
The 111 attendees heard from keynote speakers Susan Brissette and Jackie Arnold. Brossette highlighted the vital role of women in the clean energy sector, while Arnold encouraged attendees to overcome internal barriers.
Local entrepreneur Tarah Coates of SurfSup Eco Shop opened the evening by talking about being a female in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Rebekah Wilson closed out the event by speaking about gender diversity in the workplace.
The evening was filled with memorable takeaways to inspire and empower both women and other attendees looking to embrace equity. “When women thrive, we all win,” said Brissette, from Wild Matriarch.
“It was wonderful to gather in person and network with inspiring women making progress and real change in our communities,” said Michelle Lamont, community and fund development co-ordinator for Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey. “As women working in allyship, we can stand together and embrace equity through events like this.”
The event helps build capacity within Bruce County’s entrepreneurship ecosystem while highlighting success among women entrepreneurs in our communities.
“When we lift women, we lift the community,” said Claire Dodds, director of planning and development at Bruce County. “This event highlighted women’s experiences as leaders in our communities, motivating us all to shine a light on the contributions of women. It is important to empower women to be proud of their accomplishments.”
Elder Shirley John, also known as Strong White Buffalo Woman from Saugeen First Nation, was awarded the Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey annual Women of Distinction award.
In addition to the event, an online auction, hosted by Nuclear Promise X (NPX), offered locally purchased items for bid, graciously donated by Women’s House sponsors. The auction raised a grand total of $2,009 for the Women’s House.
WHSBG provides free and confidential services, within a supportive environment, to women 16 years of age and older, and their children, who have or are experiencing abuse, sexual violence or homelessness. Women’s House operates a 24/7 shelter in Kincardine to provide a safe, supportive and secure environment for women and children fleeing domestic violence.
Women’s House also provides sexual assault services in Bruce and Grey, a child witness program, transition services, education services, a volunteer program, community counselling and second-stage housing in Kincardine, Saugeen Shores, and Wiarton. WHSBG is a registered not-for-profit charity governed by a volunteer board of directors and staffed by trained professionals.
