Four were named as finalists in Inspirational Women awards, and over 30k was raised for family violence victims
On Saturday night, four women were announced as category winners at the Inspirational Women Awards. The awards are part of an initiative to raise money for the region's family violence charities while celebrating the female change-makers and leaders of Otago.
Cassandra Treadwell, the recipient of the Woman’s Touch Inspirational Woman Award, co-founded So They Can, an international non-profit focused on educating children living in East Africa so they can go on to break the cycle of poverty. So far, they have empowered over 24,000 children in Kenya and Tanzania through 37 schools, and they have graduated 474 teachers from their Tanzanian Teachers' College to support the next generation.
Pauline Blomfield, the Fowler Homes Entrepreneurial Woman Award recipient, created K9 Medical Detection charitable trust with her funding, New Zealand’s only canine medical detection training centre. Pauline has gained significant approval from medical governing bodies and medical specialists throughout New Zealand to begin stage two of the 'Diagnostic Test Accuracy' using patient urine samples, and her work has been internationally recognised.
Rebecca Sargison, the Ray White Community Recognition award recipient, Co-Founded Wanaka’s Charitable Trust Food For Love. They work closely with the schools in Upper Clutha and, as of 2020, have been able to supply school lunches daily to those who are not bringing them along. Rebecca has led the initiative for six years, and Food For Love currently has 186 volunteers who weekly provide home-cooked meals for those in need.
Juanita Willems, the recipient of the Mountain Scene Resilience Award, was made blind as a result of child abuse. She now coordinates Foster Hope Otago, a 100% volunteer-based charity that provides backpacks filled with essential items to children entering the foster care system. In 2021, they provided 14,00 foster children with packs and over 1,000 Christmas presents.
The event has raised over $30,000 so far. All funds will go to The Women’s Refuge Otago and Central-Lakes Family Services.
“Words can’t describe what I am feeling right now. I am so overwhelmed by the community support and the empowering and supportive atmosphere we fostered at the event. It became something truly magical,” said Strelou.
The next Awards & Gala for Women’s Refuge services will be in November 2023, so keep an eye out if you are interested in entering the Inspirational Women Awards or supporting the family violence charities of our region.
