Audrey Beaton, Sharon Cordell and Cecile Martin were recognized for their contributions to Thompson and the north at the YWCA Thompson’s ninth-annual Women of Distinction awards dinner at River Lodge Place May 27.
“Audrey joined the Thompson community in January of 1962, 55 years ago, when she married her husband Albert Beaton in the newly built Anglican church,” said YWCA executive director Kim Hickes in the first nominee showcase. “This was only the second wedding to take place in this new church. She has an extensive history of volunteering in the community, including being a member of the Army Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada ladies’ auxiliary, holding executive positions of financial chairperson, secretary and membership chairperson. In addition to this she was recognized as a historian and put in charge of creating history albums for 20 years. In recognition of her contributions Audrey received both a certificate of appreciation in 1993 and an award of merit in 2004. She also served as provincial vice president of the Manitoba Society for Seniors in 1979-80 and was the northern representative from 1979 until 2004. From 1987 to 2004 she served as secretary treasurer as well as chairperson from 1995 to 2008 for the Manitoba League for Persons with Disabilities. Despite tragic family losses at a young age, Audrey overcame hardship and focused on her family and her community. Through the years Audrey has been a role model in all aspects of her life and sets an example for all by stepping up to the plate wherever she saw a need.”
“I’m very grateful to have lived here for 55 years,” said Beaton, 90, who has 15 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. “I came here as a young bride. I’ve had 55 years of wonderful time here and I wouldn’t nave changed it.”
“For over 15 years Cecile Martin has been making a difference in the community of Thompson as a dedicated volunteer who always goes the extra mile to help others,” Hickes said in announcing the second nominee. “Passionate and close to her heart are organizations and programs that teach financial literacy. Throughout her time in Thompson she has used her skills and knowledge to encourage and promote financial education by volunteering with the internationally recognized financial literacy program Junior Achievement which she has delivered throughout the entire north to students in Grade 3 to Grade 10. Personal hardship and experience drove Cecile’s determination to become an advocate and fundraiser for the Relay for Life event. Having been involved for the last 15 years in this event and for the past three years as financial chair, she recently led her to team to reach a goal of achieving an unbelievable $15,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.”
“This is a little unique having three winners but definitely my co-winners here have been amazing,” said Martin. “If I could do half of what Audrey does I will have lived a very satisfied life because she is just an exceptional lady and just amazing. My personal mantra is to put joy and to put passion into your work. I see that all over the place and it’s just overwhelming and I appreciate this. Thank you.”
“A strong role model an inspiration to youth in the community, Sharon gives tirelessly to prevention and intervention programs that help children, youth and families in Thompson,” said Hickes in the final nominee introduction. “Her involvement in the Families And Schools Together (FAST) program began early as a parent consultant for the implementation to a team leader, representative for Manitoba and working as a community connector. Today, she is now seeing children from this program as young parents raising healthy families. In addition to her work with FAST, she is the 595 Safer Choices Northern Network co-ordinator where she works to raise awareness of sexual health for the region. She’s actually earned the name of condom lady. Sharon is handing out condoms where they need to be handed out. She’s out in the bars, she’s in the schools. I think it’s a very honourable title.”
“I really appreciate this and I’m totally humbled and so accepting of this and thank you all and thank my fellow nominees,” said Cordell. “This has been a beautiful evening. For an antisocial person this has been an overwhelming evening but I appreciate being out there and seeing all you out there supporting me and telling me to do things out of the box and being OK with it. What other people are scared to do, Sharon’ll be here to say it and do it. Just call on me for the tough stuff. Thank you all and I thank you as a community.”
