Women today are making significant contributions to our society, and thanks to the Red Deer & District Community Foundation they are being recognized for them.
Nominations for the 2016 Women of Excellence awards are being accepted until April 8.
“This is our ninth year hosting the Women of Excellence; we started in 2008. There are almost 200 women that we have honoured through nominations and awards over the last eight years,” said Kristine Bugayong, chief executive officer of the Red Deer & District Community Foundation.
Women of Excellence recognizes women in various categories who have gone above and beyond.
“We honour women who have contributed in our communities. We celebrate women who have really done well in building community,” said Bugayong, noting the dual purpose of the annual awards.
“There have been several research (reports) released in the last few years that say that women in families are the ones who make the philanthropic decisions,” explained Bugayong. “They are very influential and instrumental in deciding which charities receive the charitable dollars of every family.
“That is a secondary reason (for the awards) because that is also our core business – is building endowment funds for philanthropists and creating a better quality of life for communities that we serve,” she added, noting that the regional foundation funds a number sectors and the annual awards help raise awareness about the Red Deer & District Community Foundation as they do with its fund development.
This year there are 11 categories that women can be nominated in. They include: Agriculture; Arts, Culture and Heritage; Athletics, Recreation and Fitness; Business and the Professions; Community Building; Education and Training; Entrepreneurship; Environment; Health and Wellness; Human Services; and the Young Woman of Excellence. A Lifetime Achievement award will also be given to a woman who has modelled excellence throughout her life.
Bugayong said that the awards speak to the kinds of women who are nominated and those who are awarded with such honours.
“I don't think it is said enough or they are recognized enough for their efforts. They don't (realize) what they've done is over and above,” said Bugayong. “We've had recipients in the past that have implemented innovative programs that are now being implemented not just in Red Deer, but across the province,” she added, noting last year's recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award, Dorothy Dixon.
“Dorothy is now in her 80s and was involved in the first-ever recycling program in Canada. To this day she is still active, is a huge environmental advocate and is still involved in parks planning across the country,” she said.
The women nominated set examples and are role models for many and often make a significant difference in the community, Bugayong noted.
“I'm always in awe every year at the women who have been nominated or have received awards,” said Bugayong. “We share the stories of women for not just women, but for everyone to emulate, because it is such exemplary work. Their stories need to be shared more.”
To nominate a candidate, visit www.rddcf.ca to fill out an application and send in a nomination package by April 8.
