Stella Locker, Jan Hall, Colleen Smook and Freda Lépine were recognized for their contributions to the community at the second-annual YWCA Women of Distinction awards March 20 at the Juniper Centre.
Locker, a city councillor since 1989, was nominated in both the community building and volunteerism and non-profit and public sector categories and took home the prize in the non-profit and public sector category, while Hall was the recipient of the first-ever award in the arts, culture and heritage category, which was added to the awards this year.
"I am extremely proud to have served on two terms with Coun. Locker, to have known Stella for the majority of my life and to have watched her and the commitment she has made to this community," said Mayor Tim Johnston, on hand to provide each nominee with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of city council. "If there's a cause in this community that needs help ... all they have to do is stop by The Plaza, stop in and see Stella."
Smook, who runs the breakfast program at Wapanohk Community School and is active with the Thompson Trailbreakers and in snowmobile fundraisers like Prairie Women on Snow, took the award for the community building and volunteerism category.
Lépine, nominated in the health and active living and arts, culture and heritage categories, was recognized for her contributions to health and active living.
"Congratulations to all the nominees. Your dedication to our community is an inspiration to all of us," said Angel Anderson, president of the YWCA board of directors, prior to the announcement of the winners. "I would like to give a special thank you to the nominators. Thank you for acknowledging the efforts of a woman in your community and taking the time to fill out the nomination package."
Other nominees included Sue O'Brien in the non-profit and public service and arts, culture and heritage categories; Brandee Albert in the community building and volunteerism and arts, culture and heritage categories; Brenda Dawyduk in health and active living; Lydia Blais in the volunteerism and community building category, and Donna Wilson in the arts, culture and heritage and community building and volunteerism categories.
"My favourite part of the nomination process is reading through the nomination packages," said Anderson. "I love reading about all the amazing activities that these women do in their communities. My least favourite part is deciding who is going to be a winner."
