By Heather Vita
THUNDER BAY – HEALTH – Sandi Doig has her sights set on success – but she knows it’s going to take many women to get there.
Last year Doig dreamt up the idea of a women’s-only fundraising group; one that could make a real difference to healthcare in Thunder Bay. “Women have, traditionally, been the ones to take care of all the behind-the-scenes domestic responsibilities, keeping households running efficiently,” said Doig. “Many times, this has allowed men to be leaders in our community – whether it be in philanthropy, sports, or in their chosen profession.”
“We are the caregivers for our families,” added Doig, “and the leaders of social change, the helpers and givers of our society. Today, we have the power and means to effect positive change more than ever before. I wanted to bring women together and give us a chance to have a leading voice in the future of healthcare in our community.”
Thus, Women In Action was formed. The group’s mission is to unite women in the shared philanthropic interest of improving healthcare in our community.
Now on October, 25, Women In Action will host their first event – a food pairing at Mariner’s Hall featuring food from Bight Restaurant and beer from three local breweries – designed to introduce women to the Women In Action committee and to educate them on the first project that will be tackled; a $1M enhancement of the Emergency Department at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. “There is so much excitement surrounding the idea of a women’s-only group that will dedicate its efforts to making a sizeable difference to healthcare in our community,” said Doig, “and I invite any woman who’s interested in learning more to join us that evening. There’s no cost but you must RSVP and attendance is limited to the first 100 confirmed guests.”
All women are welcome to join Women In Action. “The more diversity we have in our group, the better,” said Doig. “It opens our eyes to the possibilities that exist and also gives our members greater opportunity to network with like-minded women.”
Concluded Doig, “This idea of a women’s philanthropy group has generated a lot of excitement in the past year; I can’t wait to see what we accomplish in the next few years. I know it’s going to be hugely successful. Best of all, it’s going to make a real difference in the lives of patients and families who require care at the Health Sciences Centre.”
To attend the Women In Action Information Night on October 25 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Mariner’s Hall, RSVP to Lindsey Wychopen at wychopel@tbh.net or call 684-7106 by Friday, October 21. Attendance is limited to the first 100 confirmed guests.
