Celebrate International Women’s Day March 8th In Muskoka

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Contributed by The Muskoka Lakes Chamber

Start International Women’s Day (IWD2023) off right March 8 by having breakfast and embracing equity with difference-makers at the Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst.

Embracing Equity is the global theme for International Women’s Day and the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce is inviting everyone to share in this world-wide embrace of equity and inclusion in person, in Muskoka.

“This day celebrates achievement, raises awareness about discrimination, and commits us to action to drive gender parity,” says Chamber Executive Director Norah Fountain.

“We’re bringing together people with different lived experiences to build our understanding of what equity means, to celebrate strides made, and to consider what more needs to be done.”

The morning includes keynote remarks from philanthropist Isabella Baboury, Director of Christian Louboutin Canada, and founder of The Birthday Wish Project. “We work with donors and various community organizations so that every child can have their birthday dreams come true” explains Baboury.

“Isabella (Baboury) works equally hard on giving back as she does on her career – and getting to where she is today was no easy feat,” adds Fountain. “I want to hear more of her story, and I think others will as well.”

There are also gifts donated for the event, including a $2500 door prize from PearlMD Muskoka, a Muskoka Chair and side table from Muskoka Chair Company, bon bons from the Cacao Boys, and hundreds of dollars of Joseph Ribkoff gift certificates from Muskoka Bay Clothing, to name just a few surprises in store for attendees.

Tickets are $35 online at Eventbrite.com/EmbracingEquity or contact the Chamber. The breakfast event runs before museum opening hours from 7:30-9:45am.

As part of the Chamber’s commitment to equity, the Chamber is also raising funds for YWCA Muskoka programs. Artist Steve Tracy, who is building a new studio in Huntsville, donated an original oil painting of Muskoka for the fundraiser. You can bid on “Passing By” at 32auctions.com/EmbracingEquityMuskoka.

March 8, 2023 marks the third International Women’s Day event led by a Chamber in Muskoka. Breakfast this year will be catered again by Indigenous restaurateur Nicole Richard, owner of The Hook and Ladder, and Trinity United Church Gravenhurst offered their kitchen for her to use.

“The offers to help just keep coming,” says Sam Christensen, event volunteer who secured the event’s keynote speaker. “Event partners include Jayne’s Cottages, Chelsey Penrice of Harvey Kalles and Lakeland Networks. Owners of male-owned companies have pitched in, too, including Muskoka Springs, Red Maple Carpentry, North Rosseau Construction and Conklin Construction.

Everything the Chamber does is connected to its goal of prosperity for all, adds Christensen. “Inclusion is part of the prosperity solution, and there’s no better time to recognize that than on International Women’s Day.”

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