The Bravest Thing I Ever Did

2015-09-16T15:13:19+00:00September 16, 2015|Empowering girls, Gender-based violence, Impact stories, Women’s poverty|

Woman thinkingThere are hundreds of people in the room, but you can hear a pin drop. There are standing ovations. There are tears of sorrow and joy.  

These are some of the unforgettable moments that audiences experience at each Canadian Women’s Foundation Breakfast. It’s the Foundation’s signature fundraising event and, as the Manager of Special Events, I’ve been privileged to run it for the past 12 years.

If you’ve never been to the breakfast, you’re missing out on being a part of something huge. By attending, you are making an investment in the Canadian Women’s Foundation, which will better the lives of women and children across this country.

My life with Marilyn

2015-06-24T18:31:06+00:00June 24, 2015|Empowering girls, Impact stories|

Woman reflectingWhat does it take to be extraordinary? It may take less than I thought.

The YWCA’s Women of Distinction Awards honour women who have contributed significantly to the advancement of women and girls in Canada and beyond, through their work, their art, and their unique commitment to women’s issues. The 2015 Awards were distributed on May 21, 2015. Among them was Marilyn Emery, CEO of Women’s College Hospital in Toronto.

Ancient wisdom helps women move out of violence

2017-12-19T18:38:02+00:00June 16, 2015|Gender-based violence, Impact stories|

Shannon Buck"For me, it's about women reclaiming their place in the circle of life," says Shannon Buck, Program Coordinator of the Red Road to Healing program in Winnipeg.

In 2010, thanks to a grant from the Canadian Women's Foundation, Shannon created a new program for Aboriginal women who experience domestic violence. Though the program was brand new, it was based on ancient Aboriginal teachings.

“Originally, this land was run by matriarchal societies,” Shannon says. “Women were the healers and the leaders. By bringing those teachings back, we help women remember their value.”

Christopher’s story: Why men need to speak out about violence against women

2017-12-19T18:40:51+00:00May 21, 2015|Gender-based violence, Impact stories|

Chris RoutWARNING: This story contains details that may be upsetting to some readers. 

My brother and I were raised by our mother, who was a single mom. We struggled financially, lived in one bedroom apartments, and relied on donations for food, Christmas gifts, clothes, etc. For a while we even lived in one room in a rooming house! But we always had an abundance of love. My mom always went out of her way to make sure my brother and I were happy and knew how much she loved us.