Soroptimist helps 4 women to “Live Your Dream” with $4,000 in cash awards
Members of Soroptimist International of Kawartha Lakes celebrated International Women’s Day in March by giving 4 women cash awards to invest in their education and create a better life for themselves and their families. This year’s recipients of the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Education and Training Awards are:
1st place ($2,000) – Julie Robinson, who is attending Georgian College studying psychology and counseling to become a children’s aid caseworker;
2nd place ($1,000) – Camila Torres who is attending University of Toronto studying forensic science; and
3rd place tie ($500 each) – Vanessa Windmill who is attending Durham College studying an addiction and mental health and Teng Wang who is attending Oxford College taking the medical laboratory technician course.
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. ‘Live Your Dream’ Award recipients may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as books, child or dependent care, tuition and transportation. The on-line application portal is open from August 1 to November 15 each year. Decisions are made by a panel of local professional women (non-Soroptimists).
Since 1972 Soroptimist clubs have awarded approximately $39 million to more than 39,000 women, many of whom have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, domestic violence, sexual assault, and drug or alcohol addiction. Since 2012, the Kawartha Lakes club has invested $25,500 in the dreams of 23 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.
