By TORIE ROTH
The Zonta Club of Kitchener-Waterloo is working hard to improve the quality of life for women through fundraising and charitable giving.
Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. There are more than 31,000 members belonging to Zonta clubs in 66 countries.
“They do fantastic things,” said Lynda Bauer, development and communications associate at HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre in Waterloo. “It’s a great club. They are womanly focused and make the community a better place.”
On Sept. 21, The Zonta Club of Kitchener-Waterloo distributed nearly $45,000 to local organizations directed at women’s health. Funds were raised at the 2011 Betty Thompson Golf Tournament held at the end of May.
The event is named after a dynamic charter member of the Zonta Club who was a local television personality and community champion. In 1991 Thompson was diagnosed with breast cancer and died in 1994.
A total of $16,000 was given to HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre to purchase wigs and camisoles for cancer patients, as well as $17,150 to Grand River Hospital Foundation to purchase breast biopsy isotopes. “We are really thrilled with the Kitchener-Waterloo Zonta Club and their support of women’s breast health,” said Jane Jamieson, associate director at Grand River Hospital Foundation. “They have been very good to us for many years.”
The remainder of the proceeds were given to other organizations such as the MS Society, Domestic Violence Treatment Centre and The BreastStrokes Dragon Boat Team.
According to the Kitchener Zonta Club website, www.zontakw.com, they are proud that the proceeds of their fundraiser are used to support local programs in the community, which is helping to make a difference in the lives of women.
“As we move forward in our planning for the 20th Betty Thompson Golf Classic on May 24, 2012, we are excited about the strides we have made in our community and in our work to provide services to the women of Waterloo Region. Of course all of this is made possible by the donations of our corporate partners, prize donors, golfers and the members of the Zonta Club of Kitchener Waterloo,” said Joanne Raymond, co-chair of the event.
What is Journalism?