Women make a difference, worldwide and here at home

Natalie Bercovici

March 2012

Golda Meir, Indira Ghandi and Margaret Thatcher were great stateswomen. Queen Elizabeth II has reigned for more than 60 years. On the world stage are the guiding forces of Angela Merkel, chancellor of Germany, and Hillary Rodham Clinton, the U.S. secretary of state.

There are 19 female presidents and prime ministers worldwide as of February 2012.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8, we recall former governors-general Adrienne Clarkson and Michaëlle Jean. In Quebec, the minister responsible for seniors is Marguerite Blais.

Women are CEOs, judges, lawyers and doctors. It’s not a “man’s world” any longer. Let us salute the policewomen, nurses and teachers who are the unsung heroines and women of valour, for they hold dual responsibilities of difficult career choices and caring for their own families. Among us, our friends, neighbours and family members, many of whom are caregivers and nurturers, deserve our support and admiration.

Generations Foundation board members, half of whom are female, help children get the nourishment they need. Fundraisers are painstakingly planned, organized and carried through with pride.

Schools embraced our annual Back-to-School Bagelothon and holiday breakfasts with Buffet La Stanza and Hasbro. Children and grandchildren were entertained at the EMSB holiday children’s party and we laughed out loud at a comedy night and buffet for our food programs. A toy and food drive with Global News, Shaw Media, Mega Bloks and HSBC bought food and joy for children and their families. We danced in the aisles to the music of The Beatles Experience to counteract rising food and energy costs and met new friends at a grand Valentine dance fundraiser.

Join us for the Scotiabank Charity Challenge April 29, a five-kilometre walk/21-kilometre run. Reserve early for the play Same Time Next Year on May 2.

For tickets and information on coming fundraisers: 514-933-8585, generationsfoundation.com