The Women’s Contact Society will celebrate International Women’s Day Wednesday, March 8, with a gathering at the Central Cariboo Arts Centre.
The event will include live music with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
During the gathering the society will present this year’s Women With Heart Award to R. Irene Johnson, says society executive director Irene Willsie.
Johnson is being recognized for a large body of work which includes serving as an alcohol and drug counsellor, and her work as the community health director and now education administrator with Esk’etemc First Nation at Alkali Lake.
The Women’s Contact Society’s Women with Heart Award recognizes women who show passion for their work, career or volunteerism and demonstrate generosity of spirit, leadership and who have a positive impact in the community.
Criteria considered also includes women who advocate on behalf of those less fortunate than themselves, women who raise public awareness about violence against women and girls, and women who raise public awareness about barriers faced by women and girls.
Nominations for the award are accepted from the community and are adjudicated by the society’s board members to determine the winner, Willsie notes.