What’s UP at the Archives – October 25, 2024
MISSION’S EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN: Back row from left to right: Shirley Hilton, Barbara Fehrmann, Pascale-Sara Frenette, Marilyn MacDonald, Lori Wikdahl, Judith Ray, Deborah Handley, Ann Mohs, Lorraine Hughes, Joy Cox, Margaret Peake, Diana Muntigl, Joan MacLatchy, Pam Alexis. Front row from left to right: Jo Priestley, Karin Edberg-Lee, Kuldip Herar, Camille Atebe, Bonnie Harber, Carol Hamilton, Daphne Sleigh and Eleanor Lobb.
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.
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