Gala evening in Sioux Lookout celebrates International Women’s Day

Tim Brody - Editor

A Women’s Gala held on March 8 at the Legion in celebration of International Women’s Day was a great success according to organizers, with 100 ladies attending.
The sellout evening, presented by First Step Women’s Shelter and Sioux Lookout’s Violence Action & Awareness Committee (VAAC) started with appetizers and mocktails. The evening included dinner and cupcakes and a performance by Comedian Janine Desmoulin. The evening concluded by recognizing each attendee with a certificate & wellness gift.
Women were invited to put on formal wear for the evening out, which was held as a free event.
“Many ladies in town may never have the opportunity to attend a red carpet event (especially for free) and we wanted to give them just that,” organizers explained. 
“We also had roses on each table with words of empowerment, each person could take one that resonated with them before they left for the night. We had a photographer on site to capture the night and allow guests to get group photos taken together with friends and family. 
We’ve heard nothing but great things about the night and how amazing it was to have a formal event in Sioux Lookout. It was an amazing night where women got to celebrate each other, together,” organizers shared.
The VAAC Committee consists of several organizations in the area. First Step Women’s Shelter, Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre, Ah-Shawah-Bin Victim Support Services, Northwestern Health Unit, Sunset Women’s Aboriginal Circle, Nahnahda-Wee-EE-Waywin, and St. Andrew’s United Church. 
Organizers shared that the VAAC Committee is a local committee comprised of diverse women who work within the community at the grassroot level. “We hold a number of events throughout the year and our events are not only meant to raise awareness on violence and other important social issues, but to empower women while giving our fellow community members a safe place to gather, share, celebrate, grow and build their own circle of care within Sioux Lookout.”