SHEENA PERFORMS AT WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH EVENT - Recognized for her involvement in Women's Issues

A celebration of Women’s History Month 2008 was hosted at the Legislative Building today by Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan, minister responsible for the status of women.

Women who have taken the lead to make important social changes in Manitoba’s recent history had a special place in this year’s event, said Allan.

“Many Manitoba women have brought positive change to our world through their vision for what is possible and their ability to work toward it,” said the minister.  “This year, we celebrate the inspiration they give us all. We applaud their commitment to engaging and collaborating with the community and their ability to ensure that community members’ voices are heard.

Women’s History Month is held nationally each year in October to celebrate the advances and contributions of women in all aspects of Canadian society.

This year the celebration included the release of Taking the Lead:  Women Who Have Made a Difference in Manitoba. The publication showcases the accomplishments of five Manitoba women who have worked to make the province a better place to live:  Edith Regier, Diana DeLaronde‑Colombe, Dr. June Marion James, Karen Busby and Myrna Phillips. It will also be available online at www.gov.mb.ca/msw/publications/publications.html. 

The guest speaker was Lee Newton, founder of Winnipeg Harvest and winner of a YWCA Women of Distinction Award. The event also featured a performance by singer, songwriter, pianist and guitar player Sheena Grobb, a rising musical star with a deep commitment to women’s issues. 

“While we look back with pride this month on the many accomplishments of women over the years, we are also encouraged by the passion and energy of those who continue to strive to achieve social change locally, nationally and globally,” said Allan.  

Lee Newton founded Winnipeg Harvest in 1984. Her inspiration was triggered by a news program featuring a food bank in New York, a city where tons of food found its way to people in need rather than being wasted and ending up in landfills.  She realized that Winnipeg residents living below the poverty line would benefit from a food bank and founded Winnipeg Harvest.  Its first home was in an unused St. Boniface warehouse.  Newton now works with Winnipeg Harvest as partnerships co-ordinator.  In 2005 she received the YWCA Women of Distinction Award for community volunteerism.  

Sheena Grobb is a local musician whose national and global exposure is growing.  The singer, songwriter, pianist and guitar player grew up in Treherne. She has been actively involved in women’s issues and now lives in Winnipeg.  In 2007, Grobbreceived a female vocalist of the year award from the Los Angeles Music Festival and was nominated in the outstanding pop recording category by the Western Canada Music Awards.  Her strong, beautiful voice complements the strength of her commitment to women’s issues such as breast cancer and violence against women.  Grobb has been featured in Herizons magazine, Uptown magazine, and The Brandon Sun.  She has toured throughout Manitoba and is currently touring across Canada.