Zonta to Celebrate the Special Women in YOUR Life this International Women’s Day
Every year, on March 8, countries the world over celebrate the achievements of women and acknowledge their quest for gender equality. In fact, International Women’s Day is an official holiday in countries, such as Afghanistan, China, Cuba, Nepal, Russia, Uganda, Vietnam, and many more. In others, it is widely observed by women, men and children who give flowers and small gifts to the special women in their lives.
The Zonta Club of Oakville has been celebrating International Women’s Day since the Club’s inception in 1973. In recent years, the Club hosted sold-out galas at the Burlington Convention Centre featuring celebrity keynote speakers, such as Canadian Olympian Catriona Le May Doan and technology leader Amber Mac. Their last two galas combined raised $75,000 for Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. Since hosting a gala is not possible this year, the Zonta Club of Oakville would like to celebrate all the wonderful women in YOUR life. It could be your mom, your sister, your daughter, your grandmother, your boss, your best friend, your neighbour, your teacher, your doctor, your coach, anyone. For the Zonta Club of Oakville, International Women’s Day marks a moment in time to recognize and honour all the ‘Zonta Roses’ who make the garden of life beautiful!
Here’s how you can celebrate the Zonta Roses in your life:
Lastly, all Oakville residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the Instagrammable Display in the Towne Square (94 George St.) from March 5 to 8 and follow Zonta Oakville on Social Media. According to Event Co-Chair Kathy Mundy, March 8 is not only International Women’s Day, it’s also Zonta Rose Day. “A single yellow rose has been a symbol of Zonta International since the early 1980s,” says Mundy. “Yellow roses are often associated with friendship and caring, which is perfect because that truly is what Zonta is all about.”
Zonta International, established in 1919, envisions a world in which women’s rights are recognized as human rights and every woman can achieve her full potential. The Oakville Chapter is a compassionate and dedicated group of women who volunteer their time to advance the status of women locally and internationally through advocacy and service. They help their local charitable partners provide emergency housing, financial aid, educational support, and mental and physical health services to women in need. The Club also provides scholarships and academic awards to local young women and birthing kits to women in developing nations.
More information can be found at zontacelebrates.ca or zontaoakville.org.
Submitted By Tina Powell
