The 11th annual Quota International Women of the Year luncheon awards was held at McKenna Hall on April 12, recognizing local women for their dedication and achievements in the community. From all the nominations, four were chosen as the trophy recipients.
Brandee Calder received the Investors Group Young Woman of Distinction award, Laurie LaBatte won the Access Communications Entrepreneur Award of Excellence, Helen Swetz received the Quota International of Weyburn Community Service award, and Sarah Church won the SaskPower award for Excellence in the Workplace.
"I wasn't really expecting to win this award," said Calder. "It feels good. It's important to give back to the community because of the people you meet and the connections you make with others. You realize that not only are you giving, but others are receiving from you and there is so much that needs to be done around the community."
Brandee is the daughter of Arlen and Corrine Calder, was raised in Weyburn and graduated from the Weyburn Comprehensive School. She has an intense desire to become a Special Education teacher, and volunteered her time with Jodi Abel's Functional Integrated Program at the Comp in 2007.
It was her volunteer time in the FIP room that was memorable for Calder. "Just because of the students that I met and the difference that I was making. It was a rewarding experience."
During the last two summers, Brandee has worked in the Sunny Scholars program at the Family Place, first as an educational assistant and then as a coordinator. The latter position involved planning, facilitating, helping to hire staff, orientating and supervision of staff and volunteers. She currently works as a substitute educational assistant for the Regina Public School Division and this spring will graduate with her degree from the University of Regina.
"This award was such an honour and a privilege, and I must take it humbly and give all the credit to the people who have worked with and for me. Without them, this would have never been possible," said LaBatte.
Laurie owned the King George Hotel and Fitzgerald's Bar and grill for 21 years, from 1989 to 2010. It was not uncommon to see LaBatte working every role in the King George, providing a gathering place for many in the community.
In 2005, LaBatte opened the Weyburn Tim Horton's franchise. In that time she has provided intensive initial and ongoing training of staff, and has been noted as a fair, compassionate, respectful employer. At the Weyburn Tim Horton's, Laurie and her staff raise money throughout the year for the national Children's Foundation, which then allows two children from Weyburn to experience a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
For other entrepreneurs in Weyburn, LaBatte has one word of advice: "Passion. Follow your passion, whatever your heart dreams, you can do it."
Helen is involved in many community events, and acts as a leader who leads by example without need for accolades or acknowledgment. "Community service means everything to me. I love to help people and do all I can for everybody," said Swetz.
She was a charter member and secretary of the Multicultural Society, founder and participant in the Ukrainian language classes, and a charter member of the Verhoy Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. In addition, Helen is an elder in the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church, and for the last five years has been working directly with Ukrainian immigrants who need assistance in the community.
Most importantly, Helen has been a valuable volunteer at the Family Place, and is an essential member of the "Baba Brigade" that makes perogies to help in fundraising at the facility. "Anyone who can volunteer should do it, as it will help so much for the community and does so much for your esteem."
"I was very flattered to be nominated for this award," said Church. "Local business always has been very important to me. You want to keep people (buying) local and offer as much to them so they don't have to go elsewhere. Working at Olympia has given me the opportunity to give back to the community a lot easier."
Sarah has been a vital member of Olympia Fitness since 2008. In her role as marketing and events planner, Sarah helped Olympia become recognized as a growing business and active corporate citizen. Shortly thereafter, she became Olympia's full-time manager and is now a part owner of the company.
"Olympia was such a good business when I started, all I had to do was talk to the members to see what they would like to see," said Church. "Having that base with our members was important to improving the business."
Involvement with Youth Fitness Education has played an important part of Sarah's life at Olympia Fitness, and this has included offering free instruction and youth fitness classes for many of Weyburn's schools, and she organized the "Kids Stay Active in Summer Club". In addition to this achievement, Sarah has become accredited through the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity as an "On the Move" facilitator.
