Provincial Council of Women Celebrates Women's Achievements and Contributions

Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba, Inc.
204-825 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB., R3A 1M5

Tel: (204) 992-2751 Fax: (204) 975 3027

E-mail pcwm@mts.net
Press Release

Contact: Arlene Draffin-Jones

Phone: 589-6449

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sunday, July 4,2010



The Provincial Council of Women Celebrates the Volunteer Work and Contribution by Women to Their Community
On July 7th, 2010 the Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba will be honoring the achievements of Manitoba women and recognizing a federate group who have made a difference in the quality of life for women, their families and the community. This is the 4th Annual Gala Reception, Celebrating Women, to be held at Khartum Shrine House, 1155 Wilkes Avenue, starting at 7:30 pm. There will be refreshments, door prizes, a rainbow auction and entertainment. All are welcome.

Individuals being honored are:

Doreen Pattie – Girl Guides of Canada (MB Council)

Joan Butcher – Manitoba Association of Home Economists

Valinda Morris – Immigrant Women’s Association of Manitoba

Eleanor Gibson- Council of Women of Winnipeg

Irene McKenzie – United Church Women, Manitoba & NW Ontario

Arlene Draffin Jones – Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba

Federate honoree:
Manitoba Women’s Institute
A copy of the biographies of the honourees is attached.
Tickets are $25.00, and available from McNally Robinson Booksellers at Grant Park Shopping Centre or by phoning 992 2751, or e-mailing pcwm@mts.net.

PCWM founded in 1949 – women working together for 60 years
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For further information, or to arrange an interview:

Arlene Draffin Jones 992 2751





Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba (PCWM)

2010 Celebrating Women Honourees

• Doreen Pattie - Girl Guides of Canada (MB Council). Doreen has been active in Guides as a leader, trainer and administrator for over 27 years, but working with young girls in the community has been the highlight of her involvement. She has been on the School Parents Council and a member of the St. James WRHA Community Council and has recently been appointed the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Manitoba Girl Guides.

• Joan Butcher – Manitoba Association of Home Economists. Joan’s work as a Home Economist has sent her around the world to share her skills and knowledge to assist women and families. Programs in Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Antigua and across Canada have benefited from her energy and enthusiasm. She is a past president of the Manitoba Association of Home Economists and the PCWM as well as serving as a Vice President on NCWC. Well respected for community development, Joan now works as a labour market specialist assisting immigrant professionals in their search for employment in Manitoba. Joan works at Success Skills Centre and is archivist for PCWM.

• Valinda Morris – Immigrant Women’s Association of Manitoba (IWAM). Valinda is the Councils of Women most prolific researcher – helping write letters, briefs and presentations to all levels of government. She has willingly offered her assistance to federate groups such as IWAM. Valinda has served on the boards or panels of the MB UNICEF Committee, Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg, United Way, Social Planning Council, Women’s Post-Treatment Centre and the University Women’s Club of Winnipeg. Involved with the Councils of Women since 1992, Valinda is a life member of PCWM.

• Eleanor Gibson – Council of Women of Winnipeg. Actively involved in serving the community for over 70 years Eleanor is a “volunteer extraordinaire”! As a social worker working with children and their families Eleanor began a long standing involvement with the Children’s Hospital and the St. John’s Hospital Guild. She is a past president of the Guild, the CWW, the Children’s Research Foundation and has served and is still on boards and committees from a host of organizations ranging from the Women’s Committee of the Winnipeg Symphony, Women’s Canadian Club, University of Winnipeg Women’s Association, Women’s Committee of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Dugald Costume Museum, YM/YWCA and many more. Today she is the respected Archivist for the CWW. Her wise counsel and enthusiastic spirit has benefited many groups and individuals and made Winnipeg a better place to live.

• Irene McKenzie – United Church Women, Manitoba & NW Ontario Conference.For the last three decades Irene has dedicated her life to speaking up for those whose voices are often not heard – an activist and caring supporter for women’s rights, refugees, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered persons. She helped establish UNPAC after trips to Nairobi and Beijing to the UN Women’s Conferences and is a long time member of MATCH. Irene is a dedicated member of CWW and was on the Outreach Committee of Westminster United Church.

• Arlene Draffin Jones – Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba. Arlene’s work as a health education nurse has taken her to England, Ethiopia, China, France, Spain, Australia and across North America researching, developing, presenting programs and advocating for women’s health issues – especially related to respiratory health and tobacco. As a past president of the Women’s Health Research Foundation, Nor’West Health Centre and PCWM and current Chair of the NCWC Development Organization she continues to work for improving her community. Arlene is Vice President of CWW and the Chair of the Celebrating Women Gala Committee.

The Federate Honouree is the Manitoba Women’s Institute (WI). This year the WI celebrates it’s100th anniversary advocating for rural and farm women for recognition of women’s capabilities, family well-being and community development through education, training and improving communication. The MB WI was one of the first groups to become a federate of the PCWM.