LOCATION: 25th Anniversary Gala

>> 25th Anniversary Gala Honourees

Honouree: Cease Wyss
Honoured by: Billie Pierre

Cease Wyss is a good Mother, a good friend and works with traditional native medicines as an herbalist. She's from the Squamish Territory and she's always been willing to do a welcoming song at any event or rally she's been invited to. She is a video-maker. She is a mentor. She is a friend.


Honouree: Jean Swanson
Honoured by: Mary Ann Cantillon

My name is Mary Ann Cantillon. I am retired librarian who now volunteers in the community particularly within the DTES.

I wish to put forward Jean Swanson’s name as a more than worthy recipient for more than 25 years of selfless and consistent awe-inspiring dedication in the struggle against the harm and violence caused to women, children, men, and families in Vancouver and Canada by the prevalence of "legislated" poverty in our midst.

One can hardly talk about poverty in Vancouver, B.C. or Canada without recognizing Jean Swanson as a trailblazer for over 30 years in the anti-poverty movement.

I first got to know Jean in the 70s when I worked on a L.I.P grant in the Strathcona district and she was then active in the setting up of DERA. Whilst at the forefront of ELP the magazine The Long Haul kept us Vancouverites aware of injustices which politicians and mainstream press were ignoring. The publication of Poverty in BC was a first in its coverage of the problem and became part of the school curriculum.

Jean’s work became known at a national level. She was chosen as President of NAPO. Following her term as President, she continued to volunteer for NAPO. Those who knew how brilliant Jean was and how she knew the minefield of poverty convinced her to write for us all.

Her book, Poor Bashing: The Politics of Exclusion was an instant success and an incredible contribution to Canadian Non Fiction. Poor Bashing was very well received by both the public and academic community especially in the fields of sociology, political science, history and women’s studies. It achieved what it set out to do in its publicity flyer exposed "The special language of poor bashing which disguises the real causes of poverty, hurts and excludes people who are poor, cheapens the labour of people who have jobs, and takes pressure off the rich."

Jean is a woman who is gentle and forceful. She is gifted in drawing people to her, awe inspiring in her clear analysis, generous in giving of herself. I don’t know many others who would come out of retirement where she enjoyed her artistic gifts from photography to needlework and above all precious time spent in sharing her love of nature with her beloved grandson, to take on once more a leadership role in this most important work that CCAP and others are active in as the struggle continues.


Honouree: Kristine Bienert
Honoured by: Abba Barodawalla

Kristine embodies the essence of being a woman. She is beautiful, loving and caring. She is strong and has fought all of life’s uphill battles with an iron will to succeed. She is very forgiving and doesn’t hold grudges against anyone. She has extreme tolerance and supreme persistence. She has compassion and a very humane side to her. She is kind and has a generous heart and always believes in giving back to the community and to society. Her simplicity defines her elegance. She has an innocent but electrifying smile and a very good sense of humour. She commands respect and the trust of all who know her. She is very passionate about what she does and it shows in her cooking, gardening, sewing and embroidery work to name a few of her talents and hobbies. She is proud of her values, beliefs and cultural heritage and upholds them but at the same time keeps an open mind and welcomes other positive influences into her life. She is well-balanced emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually.
  • She has completed the rigorous Chartered Accountancy (CA) training in Canada and she has also obtained her Certified Public Accountancy (CPA) designation from the State of Illinois, USA
  • She has excelled in her professional career by carving a niche for herself and is well known and respected in the world of auditing and accounting
Kristine is the perfect role model for young women, who aspire to lead a complete life with the perfect blend of success and happiness. She has, knowingly and unknowingly, touched many lives in her journey so far. She has made a profound impression on me by always being there for me when I needed her the most. She has done things for me without me having to ask her. I have felt at ease being able to think aloud with her and share my day-to-day frustrations and concerns. I have always received love, courage and positive enforcements from her all the time. Knowing Kristine has made my journey very worthwhile. Kristine has a long journey ahead and will face many challenges on the path she is threading but I have no doubt that she will overcome all those challenges with her courage and will soar to greater heights and enrich her friends, family and society in the process. She truly inspires me. I am proud to say that she has been the wind beneath my wings. Looking at her past achievements and her personal attributes it baffles me as to how special a woman can be when she can do so many different things and excel at each one of them.

My soul will be eternally engulfed in this enigma called ‘Kristine’.


Honouree: Helen Hill
Honoured by: Heather O’Hara

On behalf of the Potluck Café Society, I am grateful for the opportunity to nominate this inspirational woman from our community. Helen Hill is an inspiration to all of us at Potluck and to hundreds of residents in the DTES.

Among her many valuable contributions, Helen serves our daily meal to community residents of the DTES with warmth, dignity and genuine care. Helen is called ‘Mom’ by many and is both friend and family to a neighborhood. To those from Potluck, Helen exemplifies strength, loyalty and someone who has endured on her path to peace.

Please accept our nomination for this most deserving inspirational woman.


Honouree: Candice Quesnel
Honoured by: Dar Holmes

I would like to nominate Candice Quesnel as one of Atira’s 25th Anniversary women. Candice came to work as the program manager of Durrant Transition House on July 10th, 2007. I believe Candice inspires each of her staff in her own unique way and has inspired me by her caring gentle teaching approach and her outstanding leadership skills. Candice these are 25 words that describe the way you inspire me.

Approachable
Inclusive
Beautiful
Courageous
Dedicated
 Respectful
Foresight
Energizing
Interesting
Encouraging
 Passionate
Sincere
Dependable
Fun
Insightful
 Supportive
Intelligent
Positive
Radiant
Survivor
 Amazing
Treasured
Leader
Mentor
Original



Honouree: Jaqueline Laloge
Honoured by: Rebeccah Parry

Hi, I would like to nominate a woman who has been my hero. My aunt, Jaqueline Laloge, is, and always has been that ray of light in a sometimes bleak life. Jacquie has always been there for me. Through my hardest years when I was making destructive choices and hurting those I loved the most. She had the strength and love to choose not to be a willing participant in that destruction. But somehow I always knew she loved me. I believe that it was that unconditional love that got me through my hardest years. I can remember her showing me how to meditate and say "Owmmm" when I was about six. Jacquie is an amazing artist. She showed me how to throw clay onto the pottery wheel, mix colors for painting and prep canvas, (some of the many skills she taught me), but more importantly she has given me a passion for a diverse range of art forms. My fondest memories are of the time I spent my summers with her on the Sunshine Coast.

The other day I got a call from my Aunt Jacquie, she told me she had just had surgery to remove cancerous tumors from her colon, and had to undergo Chemo to make sure it was all gone. I would love nothing more than to let her know how much she has meant to me and what an inspiration she has been to me. Please consider My Aunt Jacquie as my inspirational woman.


Honouree: My Nookomis
Honoured by: Delores Kelly

My Nookomis - Healing Sky Woman

Noble and wise
Origin from the Mediwin society
Oh so strong and inspirational!
Kisses that heal
One woman-one love
Mirror of my ancestors
Identity not impacted by the visitors
Song always in a single colour
...that I will pass on

~Dee~


Honouree: Danielle Myles
Honoured by: Sylvia Leon

I nominate you !

What vibrant beauty as I stand on the beach.
Cool white sand touch my feet.
As the waves confidently reach for the shore.
Calm and inviting is the hypnotizing teal water.
The warm wind gently blows from the south.
I feel my hair dance with the wind, as I gaze upon the rising sun of July.
Brilliant orange ,red and pink fill the distant.
A wisp of white clouds stretch across the sky.
A wondrous sense of comfort, serenity and peace flow over me...

I am Free to be ME!

I am proud to say that this has been a realization as well as the best experience.
I have grown to appreciate my Sister in-law.

Optimistically looking at life as a new and exciting opportunity.
Cool and Calm when she talks.
keeping you grounded and aware.
Dances with grace, like a cloud across the blue sky

that has no limits to how high.
Alive with colour open to share her experience, as well as intently listening to yours.
Gentle like a cool breeze, allowing you to move wherever the wind takes you.
This brings with it a sense of acknowledgement, understanding , comfort and peace.

As we all grow and find our way in the world.
Placing our little plot in the vast world we call home. Just accepting us as we are.

I would have to say with my deepest sentiments, this
world would be a better place if there were more wonderful ladies like Danielle.

Thank You For being you...
Danielle you are my Inspiration!
With much love and gratitude.
Your Grateful Sister in-law,

Sylvia. 7-11!


Honouree: Laurel Murphy
Honoured by: Tosh Hyodo

I'd like to nominate Laurel Murphy as a woman who inspires many people. She is an unassuming leader, gathering community to sing in all kinds of ways. Laurel offered improvisational singing through the Roundhouse Community Centre for many, many years, recently passing it on to a colleague so she could focus more on recording and workshops. She created two huge public events called Songrise, which entailed 24 hours of continuous improvisational singing to bring in the year 2000 in peace. I know Laurel has brought music and creativity into my life and that she inspires many others as well.

Not only am I thankful for the music Laurel has inspired in me, but also for her many qualities. She has a wicked sense of humour and is never too serious to miss a silly play on words. She is someone that most people feel comfortable with immediately. She is easy going, a loyal friend, a good listener and she is thoughtful and kind. Laurel also lives in complete integrity. I have always known her to be completely fair and honest in her dealings with everyone. Finally, she is very self-effacing. I know if she was honoured at Atira's 25th anniversary celebration that she would be utterly shocked and embarrassed.

Well, my brief description doesn't come close to honouring this woman who truly inspires many to trust and develop their unique musical muse within.


Honouree: Shawna Baylis
Honoured by: Maddy Carlington

I would like to nominate Shawna Baylis as my favorite woman. Shawna taught me many things about myself, the most important being how to laugh. To laugh everyday until tears came down my face. She taught me the difference between responding and reacting and she inspired me to challenge myself in new ways. We originally bonded over our individual struggles where she supported me through a terrible breakup. Shawna taught me the importance of taking it one day at a time, remembering to breathe and maintain inner peace and calm. Shawna embodies what a ‘firecracker of a woman’ would be considered and feisty accurately describes her spirit. Shawna was always more than just my boss; she was a mentor, a friend and continues to be an inspiration. "A friendship is a unique, wonderful relationship that you choose to grow, cultivate and nurture. Friends support, love, care, listen, play and celebrate with us". - Sandra Magsamen


Honouree: Carol Newell
Honoured by: Pam Chalout

Top 25 Reasons Why Carol Newell Inspires Me
  1. She is incredibly generous in spirit and with her wealth
  2. She is wise beyond her years
  3. She is fiercely committed to the environment and works to preserve it
  4. She is a talented improvisational singer
  5. She is kind
  6. She is a great drummer and uses music as an instrument of change
  7. She is brilliant
  8. She listens - deeply
  9. She is focused on creating a more sustainable planet (with a focus on BC)
  10. She is brave ( no longer an anonymous donor - rather speaks across North America about her strategy to catalyze wealth)
  11. She inspires others by her actions - Play BIG
  12. She is humble
  13. She is thoughtful
  14. She has a great sense of humour
  15. She makes me STOP and remember to breathe
  16. She sees beauty where others do not
  17. She has true vision and knows how to act on it
  18. She enables others to lead (servant leadership)
  19. She embraces change whole heartedly
  20. She is reliable - comes through when you least expect it
  21. She knows how to have fun even when things seem less than...
  22. She is a mentor to others (especially women)
  23. She is unassuming
  24. She creates hope
  25. She is creating a legacy that will live on for decades to come

Honouree: Kathy Young
Honoured by: Trina Ricketts

A Woman Who Inspires Me
  1. I know an incredible woman
    Read this poem - you'll see when I'm done
  2. If anyone deserves recognition
    It's definitely Kathy Young
  3. She seemed a little grumpy
    When I met her at Shimai
  4. One moment she was outspoken
    The next she seemed so shy
  5. But I really got to know her
    When I switched my shifts to days
  6. It became my favourite half hour
    Overlap - And I'm never late
  7. The nights can be quiet most times
    So our updates are rarely in depth
  8. After that, we share all our stories
    And Kathy's got some of the best
  9. She used to be a booster
    And that's how she paid all the bills
  10. She's coped with addictions, violence and more
    But her spirit is unwavering still
  11. She works three jobs helping others
    And never misses a shift
  12. Every person who knows her
    Can see that she has a gift
  13. She's been known to chase away demons
    On graveyard, when nightmares invade
  14. For women whose lives have been shattered
    It's nights when they are most afraid
  15. And it's not just the women she serves
    Who benefit from Kathy's care
  16. Her grandson and all of her family
    Know Kathy is strong and she's fair
  17. We also know not to mess with her
    Cause she doesn't take any shit
  18. Brutal honesty, tough love, and a hug
    And above all, she'll give you respect
  19. For a woman who's been through the ringer
    She's hardly been jaded at all
  20. When anyone needs good advice
    It's Kathy's, whose number they call
  21. I wish we could buy her a car
    Cause I know she's so sick of that truck
  22. It's people like Kathy, who care for the sinners
    That really give a-ahem-buck to those out of luck
  23. In a couple of years she'll retire
    So here is an excellent chance
  24. To tell Kathy how much we love her
    And honour her legacy in advance
  25. This poem needs 25 lines - so this one will be very long
    Because Kathy deserves so much more! - She deserves a song!

Honouree: Suzi Kennedy
Honoured by: Carmen Dodds

I first met Suzi when we held program management positions with Atira. I learned more about what kind of woman she is; how she came to the work, her experience as a mother, and her relationship to both her daughters.

We often had phone conversations prompted by our respective after hours on call experiences; checking in with one another about program issues, seeking support and perspective, sharing frustrations, accomplishments, laughter and tears.

I have seen and felt her care and empathy for women who sought refuge and support at Ama house; During one particular managers meeting she bravely and openly shared her sadness about a resident, a survivor of the criminal justice system, and about how she was being sent back to corrections. I witnessed Suzi’s courage and trust in her co-workers in sharing her experience of this resident - she talked about the woman’s fear and how they sat on the floor together and cried.

Suzi always listens to me with appropriate emotional boundaries, has been a resilient sounding board in my weakest moments, and afforded me trust and respect. There have been moments when Suzi has mothered me; told me she loved me and seemed to know when I needed to hear it - her warmth and empathy tangible through phone cords, wires, cables and geographical distance. She holds steady some of my familial secrets, my relationship angsts, and my work struggles. There have been moments, particularly after women at Bridge have died, when Suzi was the only person I allowed to witness my vicarious trauma and profound sadness.

Suzi Kennedy will always have my back.

She is that kind of woman.


Honouree: Jane G. Rukaria
Honoured by: Violet-Rose Pharoah

Although I have only met Jane twice, she is truly a woman who has not only inspired me but all those she comes in contact with. At the age of 29, I have been blessed to have my dream of having a family of my own become a reality. I am currently being adopted as an adult by a foster family I lived with for 8 years. My soon to be parents live in Ontario and have been taking care of the legal requirements of the adoption from that end. As part of the process I was required to sign a consent form which I needed a lawyer here in Vancouver, this is how I would come to meet Jane G. Rukaria.

The moment I entered Jane’s office I knew I was in the midst of a woman who makes a difference. Her office was cheerful and welcoming with its brightly colored paintings and pieces from her homeland of Africa. Throughout our interaction I would learn she moved from Africa with her husband who was apart of starting a non-profit organization here in Canada. Jane had practiced law in her homeland and took the steps to continue her practice here in Canada. She is inspiring in the changes she is making with her clients and women as a whole in the world of law and society as a whole. She is part of creating opportunities for women to make a difference in practicing law, a place where we can bring positive change and let our voices be heard.

I have chosen 25 words that describe Jane G. Rukaria and the impact her presence has on our community and the world. They are on the attached file which I have included as her nomination for consideration.

Authentic
Intelligent
Graceful
Spirited
Role model
 Compassionate
Humanitarian
Vivacious
Empowered
Jubilant
 Luminous
Stylish
Dynamic
Soulful
Visionary
 Passionate
Caring
Generous
Trustworthy
Brilliant
 Charismatic
Unique
Loyal
Dedicated
Innovative

Honouree: Rebeccah Parry
Honoured by: Caroll Cardinal

I have not been around Atira much this past year - but I do know a beautiful person when I see one. I would like to nominate - your new team member Rebeccah Parry as she is a great instructor, resourceful, patient, honest, understanding and best of all, is friendly and very informative when it comes to tons of ideas. She does deserve some recognition from you all there. Keep up the good work all of you.


Honouree: Margaret Bradshaw
Honoured by: Colleen Gorrie

My grandmother has had the biggest impact on my life. Why? Because she loved me. Her name was Margaret Bradshaw and who passed away 30 years ago.

Thank you for sending me the opportunity to honor her.
Colleen Gorrie (Margaret Colleen Gorrie but I was to be called Colleen)


Honouree: Valerie Coles
Honoured by: Carol Abbott

When she retired from the corporate world she had her golf shoes transformed into tap. Among their performance venues are senior's homes where according to Val (68) they are wildly applauded by those who stay awake. She is clever, creative, compassionate and a little crazy. I don't think I can put into words how much I value our friendship and time together.


Honouree: Anne-Marie Epp
Honoured by: Tina Sanford

My sister's name is Anne-Marie Epp. She was the first feminist influence in my life.

And yes, it was wonderful, considering we had grown up in a patriarchal home. She was the person who greatly shaped my budding feminist consciousness. She also said, "Youthful beauty is a rented tuxedo. But wisdom... now that's a keeper". Pretty smart, huh? That is why I am nominating her.

When I was an impressionable teenager, my wise sister told me that:
Although romance is very delicious, my FRIENDSHIPS with women would prove most nutritious.


Honouree: Michelle Houle
Honoured by: Denise Houle

Hello - I would like to nominate my sister - my mentor - my best friend: Michelle Houle

I know that Michelle works for Atira, but she is more than just your employee or your friend... she is my light when I am in the dark, she is my voice when I am silent, she is my best friend!

I suffer from depression and am on medication - Michelle helps me through the sad and dark days that I go through. She brings me the light to help me find my way back to some sense of normality. She understands who I am and what I am going through. Michelle has me talk about what I am going through, even when I am too stubborn to go to my shrink to work things out.

Michelle has always been there for me; From the time I was small and getting picked on by my older brother and bigger kids - she stood up for me. She paid for my class one driver's license and started me on a career path. She helped me get out of an abusive relationship that I was stuck in. She's helped me financially, physically, mentally - the who gambit - all of my life. Without Michelle Houle, Denise Houle would not have survived this long.

Then Michelle started her life/health journey. She had a life changing event and felt that she almost died of a heart attack. She walked into a gym 3 years ago - and is now an athlete. Three years ago she couldn't climb a set of stairs without being out of breath, today she has completed a 1/2 marathon and a triathlon. Her life is about health and happiness - and she has inspired me to make a health/life change. Michelle has inspired a lot of people to join her on her journey to a better life. She truly is a shining star!

Michelle Houle is my sister, my best friend, my confidant.... my life!


Honouree: Dorothy Olson
Honoured by: Thanya Al-Saddon

In order to best explain the reasons that I am nominating Dorothy Olson for the 25 Year Atira anniversary, I choose to talk about the first 25 years that she was in my life.

I first met Dorothy Olson in Monterey, California when I was 2 years old - she came into my family’s life when we were in great need. You see, in 1957, my mother - a young Caucasian woman from Eugene Oregon, had met, married, had 4 children and traveled to Iraq with my Arabic father - Aziz Al-Saadoon. There was a revolution going on there, and as mixed race American/ Iraqi children, we were in great danger. Mama narrowly escaped from Baghdad, bringing my siblings and me back to California in 1958.

That’s where we found Dorothy. Mama was 24 years old then, on welfare and single parenting 4 young kids - truly struggling. In an attempt to access support, she searched out a nursery school within walking distance of our home. By our amazing good fortune, Dorothy ran that school. From the very first contact, she embraced my mother and us kids. Dorothy had a small daughter named Denby, who was to become our close friend as well.

During our family’s time in Monterey, Mama faced multiple barriers and struggled to keep us kids with her. Because of her vulnerable situation, she attracted some less-than-healthy men into our lives. Dorothy ended up rescuing us from one of these men, moving Mama and us kids up to Marin County where Dorothy had relocated to. She opened her home to all 5 of us - Mama along with her 7, 6, 5 and 4 year old children. Dorothy helped us find a house to rent, and assisted Mama in accessing services. When I was 6 years old, Mama found a little house for sale - just down the hill from Dorothy’s house. As Mama was on social assistance, she was ineligible for a homeowner’s loan. Dorothy paid $9000 and bought that house for us! Her trust in my mom’s ability to pay her back was unfailing, and Dorothy knew that we needed a safe place to live.

By this time, Dorothy had opened another nursery school, and employed my mom to work with her. They ran that school together for several years, until Mama felt confident enough to seek out other employment. Dorothy’s house was a refuge for me when I was small - she always had plenty of food, plenty of hugs and there were lots of interesting people hanging around. She taught me about remembering my dreams and about the plants in her yard. I never saw her mad - ever.

By the time I was 10, Mama had been hired by the social services as a clerk in the food stamp office. Dorothy would let me help out in the nursery school and earn a bit of my own money. She also encouraged me to get involved in my community - by taking me to city council meetings and political rallies. Alongside Dorothy, I learned how important inclusion is in community work - as she always made sure that everyone was included - regardless of race, ability, gender, age, whatever. As an at-risk teenager, Dorothy’s home continued to be a place of safety for me - a welcoming place where I could land. I would go there to heal, to rest. She always greeted me with open arms, her gentle smile and a meal.

When I became an adult, and finally settled, I decided that I wanted a role-model - a person whose qualities I wanted to emulate. That person was - and continues to be - Dorothy. For through her, I learned to trust my intuitive, loving nature - regardless of past hurts. I learned to welcome all into my orbit - regardless of societal position or challenge. I learned the power that is contained in a smile, a hug, an invitation to join in, a meal.

So, that is my first 25 years with Dorothy - from the time I was 2-27. I was blessed to have her in my life until my 50th year, when she was finally released from the Alzheimer stupor that had gripped her during the last 5 years of her time here. She remains my beacon - I will never lose her. I love her - my Dorothy.


Honouree: Violet-Rose Pharoah
Honoured by: Brenn Kapitan

An unwanted pregnancy
by adolescent
drug abusing parents
Tossed around foster homes for many years
Finally adopted!
A nice house,
structure, religion
with a real mom
and dad
This small child is molested inside the
church where she and her new family
prays and worships
Even though she takes a baths
often she never feels clean
One day she is asked to play with dolls and tell the secret
At 10 she has a
nervous breakdown
Another round of foster homes
she lives out of a garbage bags
She has never had a birthday party
She grows up fast and
Gets high to forget her past
When her only sister comes to visit
she is totally wasted
Having unprotected sex she becomes pregnant
This woman does not know how to be a mother
No one has taught her
she has always been someone’s job
Years later, After she pushes the buttons
she drops him off at the intercom and leaves
THE DRAMA CONTINUES INTO A dangerous lifestyle FILLED
with: more Drugs, prostitution, serious INJURIES from
bad dates combined with anorexia
Something changes inside her and she
begs for the madness to
STOP!
She relocates on November 21, 2004,
to live with her sister
Sober and reaching out to locate family,
a relative shares a letter from her biological father
while he was in jail about their relationship
This elated daughter
searches for her biological father
The document from the
government confirmed
her real Dad has passed away.
The article in the paper
validated that he was murdered!!
Still sober and searching for the truth
she has invested in her education
and spiritual enlightenment
Never a victim, this stunning natural beauty
touches people and inspires those around her
like no other,
she is no longer a diamond in the rough
This sparkle has be clean
for three years
My nomination for my
woman of influence
is Violet -Rose Pharoah
"What I will be tomorrow I am becoming today"

Honouree: Chief Judith Sayers
Honoured by: Atira Women’s Resource Society

We searched for someone who most exemplified for us the words of Marianne Williamson as spoken by Nelson Mandela. We have taken some liberties. Thank you Chief Judith Sayers for inspiring us all.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of the Creator. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of the Creator that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."


Honouree: Heather Whiteford
Honoured by: Janice Abbott

Dear Heather,
You gave me permission to be myself. You encouraged all of my strengths and were patient and understanding will all of my challenges, and there were and are many. Atira is what it is today because of your faith and support. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about and thank you for that.

Dear Janice,
"Accepting with gratitude on behalf of all the brave women who have worked to end violence and oppression and who sustained themselves in the way that Helen Keller did: "I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do the something I can do ".


Honouree: Judy Graves
Honoured by: Tom Cooper

Judy Graves has worked with Vancouver's street population for 30 years and currently coordinates the Tenant Assistance Program for the City of Vancouver. Judy works with the homeless, often walking overnight, listening to and assisting all people on the street with love, respect and dignity. She has been able to challenge the wealthy and powerful to care for the homeless. She holds an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Corpus Christi College. Mayors have referred to her as Vancouver’s "Mother Theresa."


Honouree: Maxx Wright
Honoured by: Linda Sheridan

Maxxine Wright came into my life like a hurricane and changed me in ways I can’t quite describe. She was immensely courageous and strong; yet heartbreakingly vulnerable. She lived in her daily life the notion that her wealth was measured not by what she had but by what she gave away both materially and emotionally/ spiritually. She loved big. She laughed big. She grieved big. I miss her big.

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