AppreSHEation Award Nominations Now Open

Thursday, 9 January 2020 08:11

The ApreSHEation Awards return on International Women's Day, March 8th. The organizing committee is looking for award nominees as well as volunteers, vendors and sponsors.

INGERSOLL - Nominations are being accepted for this years AppreSHEation Awards to celebrate the good work of women in the region.

The awards are handed out every year at the Oxford County celebrates International Women's Day Free event in March. The free event is actually moving to Ingersoll this year and will be held on a Sunday at the Unifor Local 88 Hall on Sunday March 8th.

Committee member Kate Leatherbarrow says another change they are making this year, is they are going to present two AppreSHEation awards.

"We will one award for women under the age of 18, sort of a youth AppreSHEation award and then anyone over 18 will be eligible for the other AppreSHEation award. Any woman or women who have contributed to their community, either by volunteering or coming together to carve the way for women in Oxford County, should be and we hope will be nominated for the awards."

Leatherbarrow says they have had some amazing award winners in years past and they all share some similar qualities.

"The past winners have all shown great leadership by getting out there and advocating for women, trying to pave the way and doing their part to make a difference and a better tomorrow for the women in Oxford County."

The event on March 8th, will feature a free pancake brunch, interactive booths with local agencies and artisans, and the presentation of the annual AppreSHEation Awards. Co-Chair Dawn Leroux says they are excited to have their free swag bags returning, filled with donations.

"The outpour of support from local businesses has been amazing in years past. We are currently accepting donations and sponsorships to continue to keep this free and accessible for women, their children, and supporters of women in Oxford County."

They are currently looking for vendors and artisans to register and be part of the event. They also are asking high school students looking to complete volunteer hours to contact them to be involved. For more information on how to volunteer or register as a vendor email iwdoxford@gmail.com.

Nominations for the AppreSHEation awards are open now and will close on February 14th, 2020. The Junior award is open to any female youth 18 years or younger and the other is open to any female adult. Those nominated should have volunteered their time to make a contribution to the empowerment of women in the community. Nominations can be submitted on the website or simply sent to iwdoxford@gmail.com.