“WINGS Celebrating Women 2015” gala event ends on a high note

They were business magnates, corporate executives, government officials, real estate brokers, financial advisers, lawyers, leaders and creative entrepreneurs, artists and poloticians. But they all had one thing in common. They were all Canadian women keen to know each other, celebrate and grow. Each of them arrived with the same intention: to exchange name cards, expand their network and empower women victims at the Ernestine’s Women Shelter. Each of them left with all this and more. WINGS Celebrating Women 2015 was hosted in partnership with the Mississauga Arts Council. The fund raising event held on March 8th at the Holiday Inn Suites, Mississauga, to commemorate International Women’s Day exceeded the expectations of the enterprising group themselves. Tickets sold out days before the event and the room was packed to capacity.
The program was flagged off by a touching presentation by Khadija Ali from the Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter where all proceeds from the event was donated. The shelter that looks after abused, abandoned women has several victims knocking on their doors. Ali mentioned the importance of networking events to create awareness of such cases and reach out collectively to save the victims. Debra Eklove from the Art of Living Foundation highlighted the importance of meditation and deep-breathing to help women overcome fears and increase physical and mental well being. Anu Vittal, Executive Director of the Mississauga Arts Council talked about the significance of finding one’s true call in life and working towards it to make each day more rewarding.
The afternoon came alive with the presence of the Chief Guest and keynote speaker, the Hon. Mayor of Mississauga, Bonnie Crombie, who is a true example of the heights a woman can achieve when supported by her family. In a survey, most participants identified their mothers as their biggest role model, she said. She stressed the importance of companies allowing women more flexible hours so they can be successful both professionally and personally as a parent. She also talked about the importance of praising daughters and raising them on equal opportunities as their son to allow them to grow up with more confidence. Dignitary and guest Mrs Reeti Mishra, wife of Consul General of India, Toronto. President of CSAT (Consular Spouses Association in Toronto ) addressed the audience by sharing her inspiring story as an educator of Spanish language, a poet and a writer of articles highlighting her journey of involvment in Community services in India and abroad, The talks were interspersed with enchanting cultural performances by the talented Indian Odissi dancer, Enakshai Sinha, melodious singing by Felicia Henry and Manija Jalal.
The founder of WINGS, Sanjukta Das, presented Balbir Kaur Sohi with the WINGS Woman Hero award of 2015. She was unanimously voted by the WINGS advisory board to be deserving of the honour. Balbir has selflessly offered her services to the community with her mobile dental clinic, not just by treating patients in Canada but also through funds to heal rural women in India. She has taken it on herself to also educate children in Canada and rural India about dental hygiene. The afternoon wrapped up with an introduction to the dedicated women visionaries of the WINGS advisory board, launch of the WINGS website, www.wingswomen.com and further resolutions to celebrate International Women’s Day on a grander scale next year with plans to go global eventually.