Nominate a woman you believe in

The search is on for six women and one young woman to be the 2007 Women of Distinction.

The awards honour six women and one young woman between 17 and 24 who have improved the lives of other women and girls.  For the first time this year the Young Woman of Distinction recipient will receive a $3000 grant, provided by the Julia M. Ruby fund at YWCA Toronto for educational pursuits or opportunities that will enhance the recipient’s capacity for future leadership.

Over the past 11 years, young women have been honoured for opening the doors to hockey for girls, improving the literacy of teen mothers, mentoring and nurturing girls in science and technology, for civic engagement, advocating for the environment, and for working with international organizations to help them combat child labour.

For the 27th year, YWCA Toronto encourages nominations from all ethnic communities, faith groups, professional associations, and sectors to reflect the diversity of the city.   The nomination deadline is 5:00pm on Monday November 1, 2006.

The city’s only multi-service organization by, for and about women and girls invites you to acknowledge publicly those women who are breaking new ground and old barriers for women and girls.  Nominate a woman who has led the way for other women and girls in arts and culture; business; community action; entrepreneurship global action; health and welfare; sports, or women’s rights.

Past recipients include: Debbie Douglas, Isabel Bassett, Ebonnie Rowe, Dr. Sheela Basrur, Wendy Cukier, Winnie Ng, Hon. Jean Augustine, Susan Eng, Adeena Niazi, Margaret Atwood, Ursula Franklin, Reva Jewell and Aiko Suziki.

Easier than ever before, just go to www.womenofdistinction.ca to download the guidelines and nomination form or call Shannon Persaud 416-961-8100 ext. 318 for more information.

The awards will be conferred at the 27th annual Women of Distinction Awards, presented by Sun Life Financial at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on May 29, 2007. This event is YWCA Toronto’s largest annual fundraiser.  YWCA has programs across Toronto, supporting women at turning points in their lives.