Local Women Honoured at ApprSHEation Awards

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Thursday, 8 March 2018 13:54

It was quite the scene with over 300 women in attendance at the 9th Annual Oxford County International Women's Day event.

WOODSTOCK - It was an all female festival today at the Oxford Auditorium.

Over 300 women from across the county celebrated International Women's Day together for the 9th annual event.

The first 100 women to walk through the doors received the widely popular and highly coveted swag bag filled with all things women love. Women had the opportunity to sample products from local business that are either operated or owned by women as well.

The highlight of the event over the years has been the celebration of women through the AppreSHEation Awards. Each year, the nominations open to the public to bring attention to the women in Oxford County who are making a positive influence on the community.

Event Co-Chair and Co-host, Phyl McCrum says the event is the perfect opportunity to honour all women who have been nominated.

"It is in this spirit of taking action, no matter how subtle or blatant that action might be, that a recipient is then chosen. It’s a chance to really thank all of the women for their significant contributions."

This year the nominees for the AppreSHEation award include Julie Brenneman, Connie Lauder, Kate Leatherbarrow, Linda Smith and Nicole Zinn-Shadenberg.

McCrum adds that each woman has made an impact on the community and they should all be celebrated.

This is the second time in the history of the awards that two women were honoured. Linda Smith and Nicole Zinn-Shadenberg were the two ladies that were the recipients of this years award.

McCrum describes the ladies receiving the recognition.

"Linda Smith is a recipient based on her many years in organizing the Take Back the Night March, and volunteering in providing food for folks that don't have food, and volunteering on various women’s boards."

McCrum says Nicole Zinn-Shadenberg is a recipient because she is a true survivor.

"Nicole took a situation, where she experienced a very serious sexual assault and has used that experience to educate the community and police on how to provide effective respectful services to survivors."

McCrum adds that the women display the ability to stand up, even when they had to perhaps stand alone.

Heart FM’s Sabrina Storm was the event co-host and was overwhelmed by the energy of the event.

"Women are making positive change in the community, and this event is an example of what can be accomplished when women come together. Positivity is infectious, and this event is hands down the most exciting example of positivity among women I have seen."

Storm says society is finally starting to see the influence that women have.

"The highly publicized movements right now are simply a coming out for what women have always known, that we are strong alone and even stronger in numbers. We should celebrate the strength of women today and the strength of the women who have carried us to where we are now."

Next year marks the 10th anniversary of this free and accessible sister-hood celebration. It also marks the ending of the current planning committee’s role to coordinate and organize it. The committee will be passing the torch and have put out the call to everyone in Oxford County to help keep the event going for another decade. The current organizing committee will act as mentors for the in coming group to ensure the continued success of the event.

Interested parties are encouraged to send a private message through Oxford County Celebrates International Women’s Day Facebook page.