Ian Jacques, (Delta Optimist) — It was a day for powerful connections and conversation.
The Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation hosted its second annual Power of Women in Philanthropy event at the Harris Barn in Ladner on Thursday, March 5.
The audience was treated to a morning of impactful presentations from keynote speaker Ladner’s Ramneek Dosanjh, and featured speaker and Tsawwassen resident Darcy Hortness.
Dosanjh is executive VP of North America Medical Women’s International Association, a family physician, and child and youth mental health advocate.
She is a leader in healthcare reform and is a passionate advocate for equity, women’s health and community care.
Hortness is a three-time Olympian who represented Canada at the Athens 2024, Beijing 2028 and London 2012 Summer Olympic Games winning a silver medal at the women’s eight rowing event in London.
After retiring from rowing in 2013, she moved into the financial sector before co-founding Oceano Cleaning Services.
A key moment of the morning was the presentation of this year’s Leadership in Philanthropy Award to Cindy Beedie.
Beedie is the Executive Director of the Beedie Foundation and a passionate philanthropic leader supporting housing, women’s education, and health care across our community.
She is the naming donor of YWCA Cindy Beedie Place, providing 56 safe, affordable homes for single mothers and their children, and co-founded Beedie Rocks, which has raised millions for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and YWCA Metro Vancouver.
Her inspiring leadership and generosity have earned her numerous honours, including a YWCA Women of Distinction Award, the King Charles III Coronation Medal, and recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow.
“It’s my absolute pleasure to honour Cindy Beedie today,” said Foundation CEO Lisa Hoglund. “Her vision and her heart has transformed lives across British Columbia. “Beyond all of her accomplishments, what truly defines Cindy is her heart. Her belief that every person deserves safety, opportunity and community. Her ability to turn compassion into action and her ability to inspire others to lead. Our entire province is better, safer and kinder because of you.”
Beedie said she was honoured by the thoughtful tribute and award.
“I would like to thank everyone at the Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation for this wonderful recognition…it is very kind and greatly appreciated,” she said. “I would also like to take a moment to share this recognition with the women and the children who now reside at YWCA Cindy Beedie Place. Their courage inspires me and motivates me to do the work that I’m doing.”
Following the award presentation, emcee Simone Grewal moderated a panel discussion with the guests followed by a beautiful catered lunch which offered more time for conversation, sharing and connections.
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