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Event:Admired - Portraits of Women Leaders in our Community
Organizer:Our Place Society
event website
event website
Location:Online
Start:Thursday Apr 9, 2020
9:00 AM PDT
9:00 AM PDT
End:Friday Jul 31, 2020
11:59 PM PDT
11:59 PM PDT
Cost:Free!
Contact:Steven Seltzer
(250) 882-8441
stevens@ourplacesociety.com
(250) 882-8441
stevens@ourplacesociety.com
Artist Elfrida Schragen as a unique project to benefit Our Place Society. After spending time with each subject, Elfrida created portraits that reflect their personality and story. Visit and be inspired!
“I painted these portraits to honour women in my community whom I, and others, find admirable and effective in whatever they do in life.” During this challenging time, we celebrate extraordinary women in an amazing community. Please show us which portrait you most “Admire” with your tax deductible donation. Thank you.
Cash Appeals | Our Goal | |
---|---|---|
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Agnes Stieda
![]() I have played in string orchestras, duets and quartets in Vancouver and Victoria all my adult life. I believe that two of my children (who are 5th generation music graduates on my mother’s side), and my grandson have surpassed me in skill level. I am 93 years old and live in a senior’s residence. I am part of a trio, comprising voice, violin and piano, called AKA. To this day, I continue to play for pleasure with a quartet and perform frequently with my trio in the great hall at Ross Place. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,150 | ||
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Bernice Kamano
![]() Bernice is honoured to work with the homeless First Nations community, supporting people with challenges, and helping make a difference. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,375 | ||
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Carol Hawthorn
![]() I work as a home cleaner, home care worker (with individuals, as needed), and for the past 30 years, as a custodial worker for a large condo. I enjoy spending my time off with family and friends, going for walks on the beach, doing jigsaw puzzles, and making personalized Christmas stockings. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,125 | ||
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Carole Sabiston
![]() Her local creations can be seen in Munro’s bookstore, McPherson Playhouse and Christ Cathedral. She has been an art teacher at various places across Canada, and really appreciates this project – and being part of it. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,100 | ||
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Carolyne Taylor
![]() Carolyne describes herself as a 'communitarian'(a combination of a community builder through organized events, and a humanitarian). One of those events is The Victoria Yoga Conference. A summary of her qualities is captured in the following descriptions: Quiet Leader. Lipstick Muse. Entrepreneur. Community Builder. Experience Curator. Idea Generator. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,050 | ||
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Catherine Holt
![]() Today, as CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, I help realize our mission: Working together to build good business and great community. I’m confident when speaking on behalf of the best interests of business and citizens, and support and collaborate with others. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$5,200 | ||
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Charlayne Thornton-Joe
![]() She has received numerous awards, including Honorary Citizen of Victoria in 2001,YM-YWCA Woman of Distinction, Lion's International Brian Stevenson Service, and named a Zonta Woman of the Year. Currently, she is a member of the 100 Women Who Care, the Chinese Freemasons and The Jade Phoenix Club and sits on the board of the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness; and has served on the Victoria City Council since 2002. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,125 | ||
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Clare Meuser
![]() She believes gardens are sacred places in which we can find stillness to create, centre, be grounded, give thanks and appreciation, work, toil and plan. And, believes gardening demonstrates faith in the future – and faith in future generations. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,000 | ||
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Dawn Smith
![]() Her concerns are with Indigenous women’s issues, particularly issues of incarceration, violence, and the murdered and missing. Dawn continues to pursue, advocate and participate in opportunities that bring people together in the spirit of respectful coexistence and decolonization. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,040 | ||
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Dell Dick
![]() Her cultural involvement includes providing leadership in the revival of aboriginal dance and drumming, supporting the use of native culture and language, and the production of many knitted articles with designs that support and describe their aboriginal culture. ure. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,125 | ||
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Dr. Bonnie Henry
![]() Dr. Bonnie Henry was appointed as provincial health officer for the Province of BC effective February 1, 2018. Dr. Bonnie Henry was the deputy provincial health officer for three years starting in August of 2014 and prior to that served as the interim provincial executive medical director of the BC Centre for Disease Control from December 2013 until August 2014. She was also the medical director of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control and Public Health Emergency Management with the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control and medical director for the provincial emerging and vector-borne diseases program as well as a provincial program for surveillance and control of healthcare associated infections; a position she started in February of 2005. She joined Toronto Public Health in September 2001 as associate medical officer of health where she was responsible for the Emergency Services Unit and the Communicable Disease Liaison Unit. In 2003, she was the operational lead in the response to the SARS outbreak in Toronto. She was a member of the executive team of the Ontario SARS Scientific Advisory Committee. She is a specialist in public health and preventive medicine and is board certified in preventive medicine in the U.S. She graduated from Dalhousie Medical School and completed a Masters in Public Health in San Diego, residency training in preventive medicine at University of California, San Diego and in community medicine at University of Toronto. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$2,265 | ||
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Dr. Mary-Wynne Ashford
![]() Dr. Ashford has received the Queen's Medal twice, and is an Honorary Citizen of the City of Victoria. She received the Medal of Excellence from the Doctors of BC in 2019. Known in the medical community world wide, Dr Ashford is a regular speaker at Ted Talks. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,005 | ||
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Elisabeth Wagner
![]() As a mezzo-soprano and pianist, she is a member of the Playwright's Guild of Canada and has served as Chair of the CRD Arts Advisory Committee. By integrating music into storylines, Bell’Arte recreates musical salons and bohemian enclaves from our artistic past. The first of these productions took place in Victoria in 2006, with subsequent productions performed in Chicago, Illinois and Regina. A retired public servant, Elisabeth has lived and worked in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and BC. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,230 | ||
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Florence Dick
![]() Nəʔəmtənat whose English name is Florence Dick is a member of the Songhees Nation. Over 20 years ago, Florence advocated for, and became, the founding member of the community-led committee that imagined, and eventually built, the facility known as the Songhees Wellness Centre. As a fierce advocate for, and tireless promoter of, the Songhees people, she was chosen by Chief and Council to represent her Nation as Community (Cultural) Liaison for the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (2012 To 2016). Florence is currently the Cultural Liaison for the Capital Regional District’s Wastewater Treatment Project. Her role as a bridge between cultures helps foster stronger government-to-government relations. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,215 | ||
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Freda Knott
![]() She knew that being a Granny would allow her to have fun while demonstrating for what she passionately believes in. And singing is often how the Grannies communicate with the public. This movement has evolved all around the world to raise awareness of environmental issues and for people in general. “And the overall message is to make a better world for all grandchildren,” says Freda. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,000 | ||
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Grace Wong-Sneddon
![]() Her academic research interests integrate her passion for Chinese Canadian history and Asian representation in popular culture with equitable treatment for all. And, her academic work on the development of minority communities in a dominant culture is of interest both nationally and internationally. Grace has served as an executive member of multiple boards including chair of the Victoria Foundation, president of the Eldercare Foundation and treasurer of both the Hoy Sun Ning Yung Benevolent Association and The Victoria Ballroom Dance Association. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,025 | ||
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Ida Chong
![]() Chong was the BC Liberal MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head for 17 years She was first elected in 1996 while the BC NDP controlled government and she served as Opposition Critic for Small Business and Deputy Critic for Finance in her first term. Together with NDP MLA Jenny Kwan, Chong was one of the first two Chinese-Canadian members of the BC Legislative Assembly when elected in 1996. During her time as MLA, Chong held various cabinet positions including as Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation; Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development; Minister of Science and Universities; Minister of Regional, Economic and Skills Development; Minister of Healthy Living and Sport; Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development; Minister Responsible for the Asia-Pacific Initiative; Minister of Community Services; Minister of Advanced Education; and Minister of State for Women's and Senior's Services. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,200 | ||
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Jackie Ngai
![]() She served for nine years on Saanich Council and six years on the Greater Victoria School Board. She is currently Secretary Treasurer for the Chinese Temple and a Director of the Victoria Real Estate Board. Jackie has a BA Economics from UVIC, a MBA from Royal Roads University and an Urban Land Economics Diploma from UBC. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,025 | ||
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Jessica Van der Veen
![]() Born in Vancouver, she studied acting at the Banff School of Fine Arts and SFU, and completed her BA in Theatre at UBC in 1987. She has worked in film, television and theatre and had a successful career as an acting teacher. In 2000 she, and her family, moved to Victoria. This coincided with her increasing interest in politics, economics and social justice and she obtained her Master of Public Administration from UVic in 2006. In response to the sell-off of public school lands, she founded LANDS (Let’s Agree Not to Dispose of Schools) and continues her work to protect public lands. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$175 | ||
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Kate Rubin
![]() Renowned for her many years of creative support with the men of William Head on Stage Theatre (WHoS) at the William Head Institution, she directs, performs and acts as a mentor for this company. And as an avid organic gardener, environmentalist, proud mother and grandmother, she is also the co-founder of the Gorge Tillicum Urban Farmers (GTUF). Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,080 | ||
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Krystal Cook
![]() In addition, Krystal is a theatrical performer, poet, director and facilitator of Healing Through the Arts, as well as a theatre facilitator who works with SD#61, in Indigenous showcases, Sparks Festival, ICA, Imprint and the One Wave Festival. She has performed her one woman show “Emergence” at Impact, Unifest, Femfest, and Melifest, and performed in the Multi Cultural Society Symposium, Pearson College, and the North American Indigenous Games. She is part of a Kwakwaka’wakw grass roots language group and was the artistic collaborator, co-facilitator and cultural consultant with “From the Heart - How 100 Canadians created an Unconventional Theater Performance about Reconciliation”. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,525 | ||
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Leslie Campbell
![]() She has an MA in Philosophy and she taught philosophy and Women's Studies at the University of Winnipeg prior to making Victoria her home in 1985. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$700 | ||
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Lina de Guevera
![]() She is an actor, director, storyteller and teacher. She is also a specialist in Applied Theatre, Theatre of the Oppressed and Commedia dell’Arte, and was the founder and artistic director of PUENTE Theatr – until retiring in 2011. Her director’s credits include: “I Wasn’t Born Here ”, “The House of Bernarda Alba”, “Mother Courage”, “Sisters/Strangers”, “Storytelling Our Lives”, “Emergence”. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,004 | ||
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Lisa Helps
![]() Prior to becoming mayor, she served as a city councillor from 2011 - 2014. She leads Victoria with a future-oriented lens, working to ensure the city is prosperous, sustainable and welcoming. As mayor, Lisa prioritizes collaboration by bringing a diverse range of community city leaders together to run an efficient city, to advance ambitious programs such as future-focused economic development, climate action, affordable housing, and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,045 | ||
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Lorna Crozier
![]() She is the recipient of the Governor-General’s Award for Poetry, the BC Lieutenant Governor -General’s Award for Literary Excellence and the George Woodcock Award for Lifetime Achievement. She has read her poetry for Queen Elizabeth II, and on every continent except Antarctica. Born in Saskatchewan she lives on Vancouver Island where she is a Professor Emerita at the University of Victoria. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,225 | ||
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Lynda Raino
![]() Lynda is best known as an innovative choreographer, inspiring teacher, and riveting performer. She is also the founder of BIG DANCE – her pioneering dance class for large people. Whether she’s making her audiences laugh or cry, her art form always tells stories of the human condition. She was acknowledged with the Woman of Distinction award for Arts and Culture, and a Lifetime Achievement award from Dance Victoria. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,020 | ||
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Patricia O'Byrne
![]() Patricia moved to Victoria 16 years ago after spending 8 years living in Ireland with her daughter. There she worked as a Deputy Editor for a breaking news website. Originally from Toronto Patricia fled Ontario in 1993 to keep her daughter safe from abuse. Living under an assumed identity Patricia was able to raise her daughter in safety both in the U.S., Ireland and in Victoria. In Victoria, Patricia worked as a communications officer for the provincial government, which included speech writing for the Premier. Her life changed dramatically once again after her arrest in 2011. It took three years of court proceedings before her life normalized. Today, she continues to care for others through her work at Our Place Society. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,475 | ||
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Paulina Grainger
![]() She runs the Arts & Community Engagement Program at the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (a settlement organization). Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,228 | ||
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Renu Bawa
![]() Holding a BSc degree and MA degree in Counselling Psychology, Renu is a Board Member of the Ending Violence Association of BC, and runs a full Clinical Counselling Practice. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,200 | ||
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Robin Farrell
![]() Robin Farrell is an award-winning broadcaster with 18 years of morning show experience – 14 of which have been spent here in Victoria. She currently hosts the morning show with AJ Cruze on Ocean 98.5 “I believe my purpose is to bring JOY to others. Whether that’s on the radio, or being involved in community projects like the Canadian Cancer Society Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock and the ALS Cycle of Hope. There is something magical in making others laugh, and I am so grateful that I get to be a part of your life every day. Thanks for listening.” Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,525 | ||
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Shana Lynngood
![]() Her ministry is all about,’ helping people step into and live out of the best selves they long to be.’ She grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and holds an undergraduate degree in religious studies from Guilford College in North Carolina. Her Masters of Divinity degree is from Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, California. She has served congregations in Madison, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C. In addition to her role as a co-minister, she is as a Multifaith Chaplain at UVic and writes for the Spiritually Speaking Blog in the Times Colonist. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,675 | ||
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Sharon Kobrinsky
![]() Sharon has been the Ceremonial Leader for the Victoria Society for Humanistic Judaism since 1998 and served as Jewish Chaplain at the University of Victoria for four years. She is currently a Board member of the Jewish Federation of Victoria and Vancouver Island and the Victoria Multifaith Society. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$250 | ||
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Shelley Green
![]() She began her teaching career in Duncan and after four years, transferred to the Tribal School in Brentwood Bay, then taught school in Nanaimo. In 1998, she became a Vice-Principal in School District No.68 and two years later began an amazing 12 year experience as a Principal in Nanaimo. Shelley was elected to the position of President of the BC Principals’ & Vice Principals’ Association for two years and in 2014, was hired as an Associate Superintendent for the Greater Victoria School District. One year later, she was promoted to Deputy Superintendent. She is passionate about education, and believes strong, innovative leaders make the difference in the lives of students and make our public educational system exceptional. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,135 | ||
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Shirley Daventry French
![]() A direct student of Yoga Master B.K.S. Iyengar, with whom she studied regularly in India, Shirley has practised and taught yoga in Victoria and worldwide for fifty years. She has trained, and continues to mentor, teachers across Canada. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$747 | ||
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Siobhan Robinsong
![]() She believes that we are all singers, and that singing together in harmony is our birthright – and a powerful source of health, vitality and a perfect way to create empowered, harmonious community. Over the years, the Gettin’ Higher Choir concerts have raised thousands of dollars for Kapasseni, a village in Mozambique. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$725 | ||
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Susan Smitten
![]() Susan is the Executive Director at RAVEN – a charitable organization that raises legal defense funds to assist Indigenous Peoples who enforce their rights and title through the courts to protect their traditional territories. Her life has been about connections, lifting the stories of the disadvantaged, living her principles, moving the needle on equity and injustice, and being a decent person more often than not. She describes herself as ‘definitely a work in progress.’ “My legacy is my daughter. My love is for my family, both immediate and extended. I intend to leave the place better than I found it.” Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$700 | ||
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Verna Barker
![]() Clients, students and colleagues are my teachers. I am similar to my family and friends in that we are resilient, believe in ourselves, and are full of laughter and stories... just like Papa Adam. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$900 | ||
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Yolanda Meyer
![]() In her current role as CEO of the Habitat for Humanity Victoria, Yolanda has successfully led the charity through substantial growth, including the five-fold increase in revenues from its ReStore (its home and building supply store). In 2020, Habitat Victoria will launch the biggest ‘build’ in its history – the construction of 11 new homes to help local families gain strength, stability and independence through affordable, secure homeownership. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$390 | ||
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Zelda Dean
![]() She founded the award-winning Bema Productions whose mandate is to raise funds for non-for-profit organizations. So far, the group has raised over $60,000. Zelda is now developing an eye-opening Holocaust Education play to be performed in schools this year. Our Goal: $1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,070 |
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