The Tri-City branch of a worldwide women’s group marked a milestone last week with its 25th anniversary party.
Members of the Soroptimist International of the TriCities held their annual Give Her Wings gala in Port Coquitlam, bringing in over $26,000 — more than doubling their fundraising goal.
The money collected is awarded to residents who identify as female and are in need of tuition.
Over the past quarter century, the Tri-City branch has offered $242,500 in educational grants through sponsorship and donors, including:
- Townline
- burb
- Coquitlam Continuing Education
- Westwood Honda
- CI Assante Wealth Management
“I won the Live Your Dream Award during the pandemic,” said Maryam Ostandi, a current branch board director, in a news release.
“At the time, I was financially under pressure and this award was very timely. I love the goal of Soroptimist and their purpose to improve the lives of women. That is why I became a Soroptimist: To make this circle of love and support go and be there for other women in hardship and show my appreciation.”
Co-presidents Alison Berg and Meaghan Relkie said the educational grants have gone to thousands of girls and women since 1999.
“Our recent Give Her Wings Gala was a way to not only honour this year's amazing award winners but also to celebrate the rich relationships cultivated in our community,” they stated in the release.
“We look forward to the next 25 years of partnership with the many generous individuals, organizations and friends who support our mission of empowering women and girls.”
The Tri-City branch is the largest Soroptimist club in Canada.
Also on the board of directors are:
- Joan Turner
- Catherine Fast
- Darlene McCann
- Linda Kozina
- Colleen Penrowley
To donate, sponsor a program or become a member, you can visit the club branch’s website.
