The community came together this weekend for a groovy evening of dance, food and fun! Thank you to Mark Hermanson, Jean Vivian & Mission Sunrise Rotary for this Spring Fling in support of St Josephs Food Bank.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizen can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. -Margaret Mead

Despite the soggy day, this neighbourhood came come out to set up an afternoon of food, dancing, music, and fun for the community! 

To learn more about the Dunsmuir Neighbourhood Association, visit https://dunsmuirneighbour.wixsite.com/my-site-3

Attendees celebrated women overcoming adversity to create a better future for their families at Soroptimist International of Abbotsford-Mission’s “Live Your Dream” Awards at the Fraser River Interpretive Centre in Mission this past spring.

Soroptimists are dedicated women leading our clubs, regions, and board of directors. They are also the recipients of the “Live Your Dream” Awards. Since 1981, Soroptimist International of Abbotsford-Mission has supported women in their communities. The “Live Your Dream” awards help women improve their education, skills, and employment prospects. Award recipients have graduated with degrees in nursing, social work, and education, secured promotions and better-paying jobs, and gained more consistent work hours to spend with their children.

Soroptimists across North America, South America, and the Pacific Rim annually provide over $2.8 million in cash awards to more than 1,800 motivated women through the “Live Your Dream” Awards. These awards help recipients improve their standard of living, increase self-esteem, and become role models for their dependents. Awards start at the local club level, where recipients share $9,500. First-place winners compete at the regional level for an additional $3,000 or $5,000, with top recipients advancing to the international level for up to $10,000.

Colleen Schmidt highlights that the support from Soroptimists helps ignite change in women's lives, providing them with opportunities and choices that reduce vulnerability to life's challenges. The "Live Your Dream" Awards focus on education, which has the most significant potential to transform lives, creating a cycle of long-lasting change. A panel of volunteer judges determines the winners and assists club members in determining fund distribution. Congratulations to the six BC women, the primary supporters of their households, on receiving a combined $9,500 to pursue their educational goals.

The Soroptimists also support many local organizations financially and with their time and skills. They have taught cooking classes to kids, taught crocheting to seniors, sorted food at the Food Bank, and run putting contests and marshmallow drives at golf tournaments. The Abbotsford-Mission club also gave away an additional $28,000 to their ten community partner organizations: Abbotsford Youth Commission, Archway Community Services, Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association, Fraser Valley Child Development Centre, Lifetime Learning Centre, Mission Community Services, Mission Hospice, Peardonville House, Salvation Army, and SARA for Women.
​
Every time you attend a Soroptimist club by attending its events and fundraising, you give women and girls an opportunity to achieve their dreams.Nominations for the "Live Your Dream" Awards open on August 1 and close on November 15. Awards are typically presented in the following April.  If you’re interested in learning more about Soroptimists or the “Live Your Dream” Awards,  contact siabbotsford.mission@soroptimist.net or visit their website https://www.soroptimist.org/our-work/live-your-dream-awards/apply-for-the-live-your-dream-awards.html

Students from both Heritage Park Middles School and Mission Secondary School have their artwork on display as part of the "Young Voices 2024" Art Exhibit.  Artwork is based on what inspires youth from the world around them and is on display until May 27 at the Mission Arts Centre.  

Congratulations to all the Award Recipients:
Junior Best in Show - "New York City" by Elowin Rempel - Cardboard & acrylic
Junior Honourable Mention - "The Gallery" by Megan McKinnon - Watercolour, alcohol markers, pencil crayon
Senior Best in Show - "Plein Air at Matsqui Trail" by Marley Penner - Watercolour & graphite
Senior Honourable Mention - "You Must Find Your Own Sky" by Otis Newell - Acrylic on wood