Women's House honours volunteers, donors at appreciation brunch

Donors and volunteers with the Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey, were honoured at an appreciation brunch, held Wednesday, Sept. 6, at Marwanda Estates, west of Tiverton.

Michelle Lamont, community and fund development co-ordinator, and Candace Burton, volunteer co-ordinator, welcomed a good crowd to the event which drew about 40 people, almost twice as many as in previous years.

"This is the best turn-out we've ever had," said Lamont, noting that the drizzly, cool weather hadn't kept people from attending, as the group gathered under a tent on the property owned by Marshall and Wanda Byle. "Thank you to all of you for your strong support of Women's House."

Lisa Owen, interim executive director at Women's House, told the group that the agency runs a number of programs that are not fully-funded by the government.

"These depend on fund-raised dollars in order for us to continue running them," she said. "We also have special projects and property-related expenses - that's where your donated funds go."

Lamont had a special thank you for the volunteers who contribute countless hours to Women's House. She also thanked the Byles for providing the venue for the appreciation brunch, and to her mother, Betty Lamont, for assisting with the flowers and the food for the event.

She presented certificates to donors who had given $1,000 or more. This included about 40 companies, groups and individuals, donating a total of almost $150,000 during the fiscal year April, 2016 to March, 2017.

Among the donors, were the following:
 

• Ann Bolton
• Larry Bannerman
• Tracy Primeau
• Belle of the Boudoir
• Bruce Power LP
• Bruce Telecom
• Canadian Women's Federation
• Chantry Singers
• Community Foundation Grey Bruce
• The Co-operators
• Economical Mutual Insurance Company
• Elmwood Chamber of Commerce
• Enbridge Renewable Energy Infrastructure
• ETFO - Bluewater Local
• Grace United Church
• Greenfield Specialty Alcohols
• Kincardine Bridge Club
• Kincardine Women's Triathlon
• Lucknow and District Kinsmen Club
• Matchett Financial Services Inc.
• Meridian Credit Union Limited Corporate Office
• Ontario Power Generation
• Power Workers' Union Local 1000
• Progressive Results Group
• Saugeen Shores Winterhawks
• St. Luke's Anglican Church
• Sun Times CFOS Christmas Fund
• The Co-operators Foundation
• The Society of Energy Professionals
• Unifor Social Justice Fund
• United Way of Bruce Grey
• DC Taylor Jewellers
• Marwanda Estates

 

There were also 46 volunteers honoured for their service to the agency, including some who have been volunteering for more than 20 years.

Following the presentations, the group enjoyed a delicious brunch, and a tour of Marwanda Estates.