From the left: SDSG MPP Nolan Quinn, Cornwall Mayor Justin Towndale, Karen Brunet, Angela Barrow and Mireille Lemire. Thompson Goddard Photo

CORNWALL – The 3rd Annual International Women’s Day High Tea was held on March 5 at the Best Western Parkway Inn & Conference Centre in Cornwall, with 180 persons in attendance.

The theme of the event was “Spill the Tea” and focused on breaking the silence on women’s wellness and health. The event was organized by Angela Bero, Executive Director at the Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce and Mireille Lemire, Business Advisor at the Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre.

The origins of International Women’s Day stretch back to the early 1900’s when labour movements in Europe and North America began calling for an increase in the participation of women in society. It was first celebrated in March of 1911 in Denmark, Germany, Austria and Switzerland with rallies designed to show support for the rights of women. March 8 was designated as International Women’s Day in 1975 after the United Nations designated that year as International Women’s Year.

“This is quite exciting to see” commented Lemire as she welcome guests to the event. She noted this event provides an opportunity, in a more casual setting, for women to socialize and network. Lynn White, of the South Stormont Chamber of Commerce, commented how she has been to all of the International Women’s Day High Tea events, finding them a wonderful experience and very enjoyable. SDSG MPP Nolan Quinn commented how it is “Wonderful to celebrate our strong, local women leaders in the community and the impact they have on our daily lives.”

Founder of CNTR+ Karen Brunet was scheduled to be key note speaker at the event and was scheduled to speak on her business and the importance of women being able to speak openly on health issues they face but are often not openly discussed. Her presentation was followed by a “fireside chat” on various subjects featuring Tara Tarbell, Geneviève Desrochers and Sara MacDonald.