International Women’s Day recognizing 12 women in the Nicola Valley

MERRITT – Today, March 8, is International Women’s Day.

Nicola Valley Women in Action (NVWIA) have been recognizing and celebrating nominated women in the community for the past 18 years, with this year being no different.

They have 12 women nominated this year, that are being highlighted for all things big or small they do.

Heather Yastremsky – Heather is the president of the Parent Advisory Council at Collettville Elementary School and also sits on the Merritt Youth Soccer Association board.

Jacqueline Whitecross – Jacqueline has many hours volunteering with the Nicola Valley Rodeo Association, Tourism Nicola Valley, and the Merritt Rotary Club.

Krystyna Verteeg – Krysyna works at the local RCMP detachment with the Victim Services Unit, all well continuing her education and studying.

Surjit Sidhu – Surjit is 93-years-old and is still heavily involved in the community after moving to Merritt over 50 years ago.

Brooke Lynn Rankin – Brooke runs Terahydra Farm, is the president of the Farmers Market, and owns Earth and Soul Creations.

Shelby Morisseau – Shelby works as part of the Merritt RCMPs Victim Services Unit.

Nicole MacKay- Smith – Nicole is a teacher at Collettville Elementary School and has countless hours of volunteer work to various initiatives.

Stacey Hebner – Stacey works a day job helping children in the Nicola Valley and is also growing a large and impressive garden.

Diana Grimshire – Diana has been donating her time at local events including, Nicola Valley Farmers Market, Search and Rescue, Arts Council, and the Naturalist Club.

Suzie Furey – After the flood of November 2021, Suzie and the team at Knights Inn took in and continue to help flood impacted victims in the community.

Raelene Chursinoff – Raelene attends all of her three children’s activities, teaches Sunday school, and is taking on renovations in her home.

Anastaszia Cash – Anastaszia made an impact during her time as a chaplain in a maximum security prison and continues devoting her time to help other women gain skills.

These nominations will be honoured at the Merritt Civic Centre tonight (March 8), from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. in a night that includes local youth piano performances and refreshments.

International Women’s Day was honoured for the first time in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland on March 19. It was agreed to be moved to march 8 the following year. It wasn’t until 1975 that the United Nations marked the date as International Women’s Day.

Nominations are open all year long and you can nominate women in the community for next years celebration by sending NVWIA an email at nvwomeninaction@gmail.com.