Read a success story from our 2009 recipient Kim Wilson.

Kim Wilson is a wife, a mother to her son, daughter, and niece, and she has a step-son and a step-daughter. Kim earned a Community and Social Service Worker Diploma and graduated in 2009. She is currently employed as a Social Service Worker with a Developmental Service Agency. “I am a Soroptimist, I sit on the Board of Soroptimist, and I volunteer my time to Cameron House.” Kim received the Live Your Dream Awards for Women at the Soroptimist International of Peterborough club and the Eastern Canada Region levels.

Photo by Andrej Baca

Kim was the keynote speaker at the Soroptimist, Sharing Dreams Gala Dinner, in April 2014. Kim shared her story with the guests:

“We are here tonight in part to support the Soroptimist Live Your Dream, Education & Training Awards for Women. This award is granted annually to a woman who wishes to further her education and has the sole responsibility of being the head of her household. I would like to share the benefits of granting this award as I am a Soroptimist and a former recipient.

There are obvious financial benefits to receiving the award as most women must reduce their work hours to accommodate attending school full time and are still financially responsible for providing for their families.
The benefits which are subtle and not as obvious are actually the most important. My children watched me struggle through that difficult time and persevere, and they learned to work hard and to be resilient.

I pursued Social Work and feel pride and fulfillment in the work I do as I know I’m touching the lives of others in a positive way. My girls are both pursuing careers in the helping professions, devoting their lives making others better. My son is in high school and has devoted countless volunteer hours to making the City a better place for youth.
I’ve been a volunteer throughout my life and when I was again in a position to give back, it was Soroptimist I turned to, as I have experienced the value of the club and the generosity of these wonderful women. I’ve become involved with Cameron House and am happy to be involved with the many endeavors Soroptimist supports.

So you see, it isn’t just one woman who benefits from receiving The Live Your Dream Education & Training Awards for Women, her family benefits from her, and the community benefits from them. It truly is a wonderful thing, and I thank you for your support this evening”.