THE SHOWS MUST GO ON
Pandemic can't kill International Women's Day spirit
Unable to bring people together in person to commemorate International Women's Day on March 8, local organizers of annual fundraisers and other events have had to make tough decisions. Some have postponed their traditional gatherings, while others are encouraging everyone to join them online.
The Essex County International Women's Day Committee managed to host its third annual celebratory brunch on March 7, 2020, just before COVID-19 measures began shutting down events. Each year, ticket sales and a silent auction help raise funds for a local organization serving the community. A keynote speaker enlightens guests on important issues impacting women and girls.
Since sharing a meal is not possible at this time, the group is serving an online buffet of videos created by local folks. “As a committee, we felt it was important to celebrate International Women's Day in some way,” says co-organizer Patricia Simone.
Invitations were sent to members of the community, asking them to send in short videos that discuss and honour the United Nations International Women's Day 2021 theme, Women in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.
The first video was posted for viewing on March 1, with one or more to follow everyday through March 8.
One features a message from last year's event emcee Adam Castle, director of Venture Services at Wetech Alliance and Sole Focus ambassador for the Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-essex County Branch. He praises female servant leaders, the essential workers who are “the glue that has held our society together,” especially evident during the pandemic.
Kathy Dibartolomeo, Amherstburg Community Services executive director, describes what her organization is experiencing during the pandemic, assures that people relying on ACS are still able to receive services and thanks the women of Windsor-essex County for their hard work in another video.
As the Essex County International Women's Day Committee doesn't have its own social media, Simone is loaning her personal page for viewing videos: www.facebook.com/patricia.simone.927.
“We're hoping the videos will be shared by many other people to help spread the message,” she says.
“It is important that women have their voices heard around government and business tables. We see issues and problems through a different lens. It's vital to get everyone's views and opinions,” says Simone, a councillor of the Town of Amherstburg.
Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) is hosting its International Women's Day Virtual Gala and Journey Towards Success Awards on March 8.
The organization provides skills enhancement and volunteer placements to help visible minority women prepare for employment and achieve success. Online networking begins at 5 p.m. and the program starts at 6 p.m. Patti France, president of St. Clair College, is the keynote speaker.
Awards will be presented to community members and organizations who are making positive differences. Tickets ($25 each) are available at westofwindsor.com/iwd.
In the many instances where insurmountable logistics have necessitated postponing events normally held on this reflective and motivating day, local organizers are already channeling their energies into 2022.
“The Giovanni Caboto Club has supported International Women's Day with a public event for the past 25 years,” says Ron Moro, general manager. “Although unable to support this year's celebration with a banquet, we support this year's IWD theme campaign of #Choose to Challenge — particularly since 2020 was, and 2021 continues to be, an extraordinary and once-ina-lifetime challenge.”
The Ciociaro Club is delaying its annual International Women's Day celebration dinner and walkthrough fashion show, which raises money for the Windsor Regional Hospital Breast Health Centre.
Co-organizer Anna Vozza recalls her committee's excitement last year as they completed final details, followed by their disappointment when at the eleventh hour, “our guest speaker, former Member of Provincial Parliament Sandra Pupatello, called with concerns about the pandemic. We realized we had to cancel our 16th annual event due to COVID-19.”
With current pandemic restrictions preventing large in-person gatherings this March, Vozza and co-organizers Ilde Mariani, Rita Petrilli and Anna Vitti assessed the dynamic of their dinner and fashion show and determined the event wouldn't translate well online.
At the heart of the fundraiser is the local need for breast imaging and other leading-edge equipment. “To date, our event has raised over $140,000 for this purpose,” says Vozza. “We want to grow our efforts and become even more involved in supporting Windsor Regional Hospital.”
In addition to generating critical funds, the International Women's Day celebration is a “fun night out,” Vozza says. “It is held after work and is not expensive, so mostly everyone can afford to come. Our event is inclusive in every way.”
Between 600 and 800 guests typically attend. Enjoying mini treatments, sampling wines from local wineries and shopping for jewelry and other merchandise at vendor kiosks, “women love it,” Vozza says.
The walk-through fashion show is always a hit. “Two years ago, only breast cancer survivors were invited to be our models. One lady took her hat off and revealed her bald head. She was so beautiful,” says Vozza, who lost her own mother and a brother to cancer.
Breast health is highlighted during the event as hosts and speakers address the importance of getting regularly tested for abnormalities and cancer. “By making everyone more aware that we have great leaders, doctors, technicians and advanced technology at the hospital, our hope is more women will get screened,” Vozza says.
Appreciative of local healthcare workers who are on the frontlines fighting COVID-19, Vozza says, “We are still hoping to host our International Women's Day celebration in person at the Ciociaro Club before the end of this year, provided the vaccine rollout goes well in our region.”
It is important that women have their voices heard around government and business tables.