When actress Patricia Arquette delivered a speech on Oscar night about closing the wage gap for women, it drew a surprising amount of backlash from various sources.
However, one group in tune with Arquette's song is St. Albert Baha'i, a dedicated group of volunteers that mark the contributions of women through an International Women's Day Award ceremony.
"We have so many good people in our community. We just have to show them off," said Mitra Taef, a Baha'i committee organizer.
This coming Saturday, March 7, at Cornerstone Hall, the focus will fall on five incredibly determined women whose spirit, courage, enthusiasm and compassion have made our corner of the world a better place to live.
These strong role models and drivers for change are: global humanitarian and environmental steward Louise Horstman, domestic violence educator Laura Hennie, community supporter Suzan Krecsy, education and youth mentor Lisa Holmes and global humanitarian Sophia Qaderi.
"We are also very pleased because the event started here and it has spread and fired up other communities. It unites people and brings them together sharing and doing things in a collaborative way, " Taef continued.
Every year the Baha'i donate the proceeds from admission to a charity. This year they've earmarked proceeds for the Jessica Martel Foundation, a charitable organization that assists women and children in situations of domestic violence. Anyone wishing to give a donation to the foundation is welcome to drop by.
Below is a description of the 2015 International Women's Day Award recipients.
Louise Horstman
Global humanitarian and environmental steward
Born in Schenectady, New York, Horstman immigrated to Alberta in 1969 to study biology at the University of Alberta.
Throughout a storied career, she was part of the Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists and the Alberta Environmental Council, an organization that gave advice directly to the premier.
"It was an advisory council. We addressed all kinds of environmental issues and trained many volunteers to become good environmental stewards and to have a broad understanding of the issues," said Horstman.
Over the years, she has served as a director of the Big Lake Environmental Society, volunteered with Morinville Victim Services and sat on the board of Morinville Public School Board for a decade.
But the one project dearest to Horstman's heart is the Stephen Lewis Foundation project Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign. The campaign addresses the needs of African grandmothers raising millions of AIDS orphans.
"In 2003, I heard him (Lewis) speak on CBC and he was just beginning to start groups. I contacted the grandmothers' support group. We fundraise and try to create awareness of their incredible strength and courage working without government support. Lots of these women are supporting 20 or more orphans."
The Morinville group raises funds through bake sales, flower sales and Christmas knitting. So far they have generated $30,000.
"There's so much to be done and so much opportunity to make things better."
Laura Hennie
Domestic violence educator
Laura Hennie is a woman with a big heart. The educator graduated in 2013 master's degree in social work from the University of Alberta. She spent five years employed as a crisis intervention worker at WIN House in Edmonton and did a practicum at the Jessica Martel Foundation. At the time, the foundation was trying to get established as a charity that assists women in domestic violence situations.
It was named after Jessica Martel, a young Morinville woman who was brutally murdered by her husband. At the time she had three young children under the age of seven.
"I was assisting with programs, policy development in outreach programs and I was creating partnerships with the community," Hennie said.
Impressed by the Morinville group, she joined the foundation in 2012 and served as vice-president until 2014.
"I think Jessica's story is my primary inspiration, and her mother Lynn is a huge inspiration. Domestic violence was always important to me, but when I met the family, it became more than a career. It became something personal, something I wanted to invest my time in."
In 2013, Hennie, a hobby runner, hit on the idea of organizing a race for the foundation. She hoped to attract 35 people. About 200 showed up and she raised nearly $20,000. In 2014, the race slightly exceeded the $20,000 mark.
"A portion is put towards shelter funds, but most goes to the immediate needs of women in the community."
There is one point the soft-spoken Hennie wants to make clear.
"Domestic violence is not a women's issue. It's a social problem. The answer is not just in helping victims after a crisis has happened, but to engage men and boys and the community in preventing domestic violence."
Suzan Krecsy
Community supporter
Suzan Krecsy, executive director of the St. Albert Food Bank, is known as a compassionate and hard-working woman. After marrying Ward Krecsy, a military career man, the family moved five times in 40 years.
While living in Rockland, Ontario a francophone community 40 kilometres east of Ottawa, Krecsy stopped by to volunteer for the local food bank.
"After a couple of months I was running it," laughed Krecsy.
The Krecsys moved to St. Albert 18 years ago, but it was only in February 2007, that she decided to ask the food bank if they needed a volunteer or a turkey.
"That day the director put in a resignation and I put in an application."
Krescy sees her position as less of a job than a learning experience from people who face isolation, prejudice, addictions and mental health issues.
"The homeless have to deal with some pretty nasty situations, yet they are still able to function and contribute. Sometimes it makes what I whine about really ridiculous."
Her biggest accomplishment to date has been creating the Community Village, a one-stop facility adjacent to the food bank that includes a shower, laundry area, wellness room and cultural kitchen for those in need.
While there is a huge burnout rate in this type of volunteerism, Krecsy is flourishing and her motivation to assist is strong.
"When I see things that can be changed and someone's life made better, I'm there. I sit down and listen to the stories and I know they need a little help. I feel so privileged to work with these people. St. Albert is so amazing. It's such a progressive city in giving support."
Lisa Holmes
Education and youth mentor
As mayor of Morinville, Lisa Holmes is a well-recognized individual. However, she is cited at the International Women's Day Awards reception for her community involvement and volunteerism.
A Morinville resident of six years, Holmes has held the position of library trustee and councillor while working for the Alberta Teachers Association.
Using her educational background and savvy political smarts, Holmes has made child care available during municipal meetings so more young families can attend.
She has also created the Junior Mayor's program for Grade 1 students, the Mayor's Program and a Grade 6 initiative where she teaches students about service and government.
Recognizing the overwhelming shortage of women in political power, Holmes also helped other women reach their goals as chair of The Women in Government Committee for two years before it was disbanded.
A pro-active woman of the 21st century, Holmes is a model for determination and positive change.
Sophia Qaderi
Global humanitarian
At 17 years, Sophia Qaderi is the youngest award recipient this year. However the Paul Kane High student is already taking steps to reduce the ecological footprint and has raised money for Afghan families in need.
At the 2014 Edmonton Heritage Festival, Qaderi and her mother provided a henna tattoo service. After three days of non-stop work, $1,700 was raised to assist Afghanistan's children.
"I watch the news and heard stories from my parents about how much help they need. Some schools don't have school supplies and when they finish school, they can't find jobs," Qaderi said.
On the ecological front, the Grade 12 student has collected garbage, planted trees, planned summer activities and mentored Leo Nickerson Elementary School children.
She has also face-painted at the International Children's Festival and volunteered for the Rainmaker Rodeo Parade giving out buckets of candy.
"Volunteering is our duty. The stories I hear, you shouldn't take things for granted. I like volunteering and taking part in the community. And I like making new friends at the same time."
