DISTINGUISHED WOMEN: The YWCA Women of Distinction Awards celebrate extraordinary women leaders while supporting the social agency’s programs and services that improve the lives of thousands of people each year across Metro Vancouver. The 32nd installment welcomed a record crowd of 1,400 guests to the Vancouver Convention Centre for a night of recognition and philanthropy. Hosted by Global TV’s Randene Neill, the event honoured 69 nominees for their achievements and contributions in the community. They were Emily Molnar (arts and culture), Laurie Schultz (business), Natacha Beim (education), Jan Christilaw (health), Heather MacKenzie (community), Alexandra Greenhill (technology), Tzeporah Berman (environment), Krista Thompson (non-profit), Liisa Galea (technology) and Selin Jessa (youth). Since the awards inception in 1984, YWCA Vancouver has honoured more than 300 deserving women.
FRIENDS FOREVER: Friends For Life Society opened the doors to its West End home to help people with HIV/AIDS two decades ago, originally providing compassionate care from a small apartment on Beach Avenue. Increased demand for services saw the charity move to a Victorian house on Barclay Street, and The Diamond Centre For Living was born, improving the quality of life for thousands. Twenty years later, the non-profit continues to provide complementary health and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as those living with cancer, cystic fibrosis, Hep C and ALS. Recently the charity marked its 20th anniversary with a garden party staged at Coast Plaza Hotel’s rooftop terrace. Executive director Kim Angel, along with board chair Paula Parker, welcomed business and community leaders to the posh cocktail party produced by the Social Concierge.
TRUE COLOURS: 150 guests gathered at the Roundhouse Community Centre for the third annual Pride Legacy Awards to support and celebrate leading lights in Vancouver’s LGBTQ+ community. Based on the eight-colour rainbow flag created by Gilbert Baker, eight trophies were presented to outstanding individuals for their efforts in building community and equality for all. Yours truly presided over the ceremonies, presented by the Vancouver Pride, Society, and honouring 24 finalists. Recipients of the 2015 awards were Jody Jollimore (health), Pat Hogan (lifetime achievement), Scott Fullerton (sport), Don Presland (volunteer), Ryan Hunter (safe spaces), David C. Jones (arts), Al Houston (community leader) and Caroline Doerksen (youth). The colourful evening concluded with a tearful tribute to Little Sister’s Jim Deva, a community champion who passed away suddenly last fall.
