SAWC’s Annual Fundraising Gala was held on March 6, 2015 at the Casa Do Alentejo at Dufferin and Dupont. The theme was “End Violence and Honour Women”, this is SAWC’s way of reclaiming the true definition of the word honour which is to respect women. The event was emceed by Angie Seth, reporter for Global News.

The Gala was very well attended by array of dignitaries, donors, supporters, volunteers, members, staff and board. This was apt way to celebrate International Women’s Day week, particularly as it was the 20th anniversary since Beijing 1995. This was the year when women from all the world came together for the fourth World Conference on Women.  The Honourable Harinder Malhi brought a  message from the Province of Ontario highlighting their commitment to women.

Dignitaries at the event included:

• The Honourable Andrew Cash MP, Davenport – Official Opposition for Critic Consumer Protection and for Multiculturalism and the Chair of the Toronto Caucus of the NDP
• The Honourable Christina Martins MPP, Davenport – Parliamentary Secretary to the provincial Minister of ‎Citizenship and Immigration
• The Honourable Harinder Malhi, MPP, Brampton – Springdale, Parliamentary Secretary to The Provincial Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues
• City Councillor, Ana Bailao, Ward 18 – Member of Council Executive Committee and Chair of Affordable Housing

This year SAWC chose to honour the some of our most committed supporters, who work to help SAWC support our programs and also work to empower women. We chose to recognize mothers and daughters (2) and mothers and sons (2). This year’s award categories was to honour a mother and child.

This year’s awards recipients are:

Mother and Daughter

Tanya Das Gupta and Madhu Das Gupta – Who are founding members of SAWC and still work to empower and support women

 

Asha Seth and Angie Seth – For the continuous work on women’s issues and support of SAWC

Award Recipient: Angie Seth with supporter Gerald Kennedy and Executive Director of SAWC Kripa Sekhar

 

Mother and Son

Asha Jain and Ravi Jain – Community members who help support SAWC’s Programming and Food Bank

Rasheeda Lightwala and Owais Lightwala – Who volunteer their skills, services and time to SAWC – Rasheeda runs the SAWC sewing Collective with our Staff and Owais is SAWC part of SAWC’s fundraising team

We thank our honoured guests and all the attendees for continuing to support the work of the South Asian Women’s Centre.

Selected photos of the event can be seen below: