2024 Annual Women of Mission Gala

On October 19th, 2024, nearly a hundred guests were welcomed to the 27th Annual Women of Mission Gala, braving the torrential rain of an atmospheric river to attend. Despite the weather, there was a warm, inviting atmosphere filled with lively conversations over refreshments of tea, cookies and fresh strawberries. This year we were proud to have 19 former honourees in attendance along with the three new inductees Camille Atebe, Carol Hamilton, and Bonnie Harber.

Around the room, 40 unique storyboards were on display documenting the lives of the extraordinary women being honoured at the Gala along with 37 others previously honoured.

The uplifting afternoon was spent celebrating women from distinct walks of life, including stories speeches, and music. Miss Shauna, a local musician, was in attendance and performed a song titled “C.O.M.E.T” inspired by records housed in the Archives about a women’s club of the same name which stood for Count On Me Every Time.

Attendees got to hear from the honourees themselves, who had the opportunity to speak after being introduced. Camille shared a stirring and insightful speech about life, Carol recognized her Mothers -biological and adoptive- for their strength and passing it on to her, and Bonnie tearfully expressed thanks to her family. During the presentation, Archivist Val Billesberger, took a moment to read sections of the deeply touching nominee letters, emphasizing the profound impact the inductees had on the lives of the people around them.

There was tremendous support from businesses and private donors this year for the Your Choice Toonie Raffle, door prize, and table sponsorships with over 35 contributing to the program. The generous support of donors allowed us to raise over $1,296 from the raffle alone to support the ongoing effort to acquire, preserve and make accessible women’s history and records. Congratulations to the winners of this year’s raffles!

View the honouree’s biographies and our photo gallery of the event featuring photographs by Bob Friesen & attendees on our Paths & Pathfinders Page.

Paths and Pathfinders Annual Women of Mission Gala

A key part of the Paths & Pathfinder Program is the Annual Women of Mission Gala (formerly known as the Annual Celebration of Women). Held in October as part of Women’s History Month in Canada, the event acknowledges both the exceptional and every day real life contributions of women. 

This year’s gala is being held on Saturday, October 19th at All Saints Anglican Church Hall doors open at 1:30 PM and the program begins at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $20 plus fees and must be PRE-PURCHASED through Eventbrite.

Our 2024 honourees are: Camille Atebe, an award winning actor and talented, multi-faceted writer, who is a champion of performing arts and stagecraft; Bonnie Harber, a truehearted caregiver who’s touched the lives of countless people and a cornerstone member of the Steelhead Community; and Carol Hamilton, a visionary long-time community leader who has worked tirelessly to benefit the community while facing life head on.

A very special thanks to our corporate partners and private donors for supporting our event!

DOOR PRIZE: Lanka Jewels ($500 Diamond Pendant Necklace)

TABLE SPONSORS: Michele Cummins – RE/MAX MAGNOLIA | Goody Two Shoes | Lanka Jewels | Sue’s Copy Place| Tom Osterberg – Lighthouse Realty | Steelhead Community Association | World Odyssey Travel – Leah Stewart

YOUR CHOICE RAFFLE BASKETS:

• A Taste of Mission: Browns Social House | Rocko’s 24 Hour Diner | Corona’s Mexican Restaurant | Lexi’s Treats

• All About Me-ow: Mr. Pets | @That.Cat.Tia

• Get Dolled Up: Beautiful U Boutique | ZZ Cuts

• Cook’s Delight: Totally Bookish | Pantry Natural Food | Meridian’s Farmer’s Market | Hunter’s Dale

• Mission Grab Bag: Trendy and What Knot Yarn | Karla’s Speacialteas | The Penny Coffee House| Goldenball Mercantile

• Night at the Theatre: What’s ON! Mission Magazine | Clarke Theatre

• An Afternoon Out: Magnolia’s on Main | Mon Cheri | Browns Social House

• PAW-fect for Me: Bosley’s at Heritage Park | Mr. Pets

• Picture Perfect Day: Clarke Theatre – City of Mission | Casa Del Sol Tanning Salon | Mackie Naturals Spa | Totally Bookish

• Fun in the Sun: Perfect Piece Optical

• Showstoppers: Clarke Theatre – City of Mission

Special Upcoming Event

MEET MISSION’S EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN! Join us for an inspirational afternoon of unique storytelling featuring Mission’s Deborah Handley, a talented, innovative musician whose boundless dedication, infectious laugh and incredible spirit has impacted all those who cross her path; and Ann Mohs, a tireless advocate of indigenous culture, successful publisher, and international award-winning competitive paddler. Limited tickets available!

For further information, please call 604-837-7569 or send an email to the Archivist Val Billesberger.

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

Paths & Pathfinders: Women of Mission Program

The Mission Community Archives is once again accepting nominations for the Paths & Pathfinders: Women of Mission Program. Since the inauguration of the program in 1996, the Community Archives has recognized and built its holdings on more than 100 women who have helped shape the community.

We need your help in identifying who will be honoured in 2024. Within your organization, family or workplace there are undoubtedly women who are worthy of recognition.  We encourage you to use a nomination form to let us know who they are.

Nominations for this year’s Annual Celebration of Women are being accepted until the end of April. To be eligible the nominee must have lived or presently reside in the District of Mission, Hatzic Prairie, Hatzic Island, Dewdney, Deroche, Nicomen Island, Lake Errock and/or McConnell Creek.

The nominator must submit, on two pages or less, biographical information about the nominee, including her length of residence in the community, field of endeavor and personal attributes along with 2 letters of support for the nominee from family, friends, organizations etc. Click Here to download the 2024 Nomination form. The deadline is Tuesday, April 30^th.

For further information, please call 604 837-7569 or send an email to the Archivist Val Billesberger.