Soroptimist awards $4,000 to help 3 women with their educational goals
April Quigley - Carolyn LaPorte - Suzanne McCarthy
On May 2nd, members of Soroptimist International of Kawartha Lakes got a head start on celebrating Mother’s Day by presenting $4,000 to three local moms to invest in their education and help them create a better life for themselves and their families. The 2026 Soroptimist Live Your Dream Education and Training Awards were given with the support from the Kinsmen Club of Lindsay.
First-place recipient of the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Education and Training Awards, April Quigley of Lindsay, a mother of one, received $2,000. April is attending Canadore College, studying social work aiming to obtain a diploma in Mental Health & Addiction. She would like to get a BA in Social Work.
Lindsey resident Jaida Gaun-Amrit, also a mother of one, received the second-place award of $1,000. Jaida attended Sir Sanford Fleming College, recently graduating as a Personal Support Worker. Her goal is to bridge to a Register Practical Nurse and ultimately pursue a degree to become a Registered Nurse.
The third award of $1,000 was given to Suzanne McCarthy, a Lindsay a mother of three. Suzanne is attending Algonquin College to obtain a diploma in business administration and accounting. Her goal is to have her own business to help other local businesses and non-profit organizations achieve greater success.
In addition to providing the primary financial support for their families, eligible applicants must be enrolled in, or have been accepted to, a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program and must demonstrate financial need. Recipients may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education or enhance their skills, such as books, child or dependent care, tuition, groceries and transportation. Decisions on who receives the awards are made by a panel of local professional women (non-Soroptimists).
Since 2012, the Kawartha Lakes club has invested $38,500 in the dreams of 33 women through the program.
A registered charity, the club raises funds through different fundraising activities throughout the year. New members are always welcomed. For more information about Soroptimist and their support for women and girls, check out their website at: www.sikawarthalakes.org, or send an email to info@sikawarthalakes.org.
