Girl guides

EMPOWERING WOMEN: The Soroptimist society has supported the advancement of women across the world since 1921, awarding bursaries, grants and scholarships to allow young women and girls pursue opportunities through education. The Soroptimist International of Vancouver, the society’s first branch in Canada, has supported housing for single mothers, meals programs for school kids and safe houses for abused women. To mark 90 years of service, the organization held a special high tea at the Panorama Roof of the Hotel Vancouver, the very place where it held its first fundraiser in 1926. President Ching Shih and party chair Karen Brown welcomed guests in fancy hats and fascinators to the iconic room for an afternoon of reflection, celebration and awards.

From left, Charen Cusi, Jennifer Hermkens and Beatriz Cabilin are part of Soroptimist’s global network of 80,000 members.

Soroptimist Karen Brown threw a tea party to mark the Vancouver chapter’s 90th anniversary. Fittingly, the event was held at the Hotel Vancouver, where the organization orchestrated its first benefit in 1926.