About the Gala

The Annual YWCA Brandon Women of Distinction Gala will honour the collective achievements, accomplishments and contributions of women and young women throughout Western Manitoba.  This Gala event is the YWCA Brandon’s largest fundraiser, with proceeds supporting women and families in need by providing shelter, programs and services at both the Westman Women’s Shelter and Meredith Place Transitional Shelter.

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The YWCA Women of Distinction Awards Gala is a celebration of the talent, achievement, imagination and innovation of Manitoba women who have made a unique and exemplary contribution to the development of others and to their community.

Help us recognize the ongoing efforts, dedication and leadership of the strong, talented and selfless women who help shape our society.

Proceeds from the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards Gala support a variety of YMCA-YWCA programs that touch the lives of women, youth and children in our city. These resources bring tremendous societal benefits such as:
•    reducing isolation and building connections with the greater community
•    creating awareness about violence prevention
•    improving self-esteem in young women
•    educating female youth on the importance of developing healthy relationships
•    providing resources to assist girls in identifying and overcoming negative body-issue stereotypes

About the Awards

A Woman of Distinction has made a commitment and a significant difference in their community by showing vision, creativity, and initiative. 

They may have:

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• Has been a role model and has inspired others through their leadership

• broken new ground or old barriers, and been an agent for change

• participated actively as a volunteer

• made an impact in their chose field of endeavor

• assisted others to be successful I their achievements 

• inspired and encouraged women to take part in shaping the future of their own lives and their communities

• been innovative in the way that they approach challenges facing women and the wider community

To be eligible to receive a YWCA Brandon Woman of Distinction Award, nominees must:

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• Make their contribution in South-Western Manitoba

• Meet the selection criteria above

• Posthumous applications will not be accepted

• Members of the current YWCA Brandon board employees of YWCA Brandon, and members of the planning committee are not eligible to nominate or be nominated

• To ensure YWCA Brandon can appropriately recognize and celebrate all nominees, a preliminary screening process may be applied in the event more than 50 complete submissions are received.

Award Categories

Award winners fall under one of nine categories. Nominees may qualify for multiple categories. Nominees are eligible to win in one category annually. Depending on nominations, judges may place award winners in the category that suits them best.