Connecting in Community: An Evening with Cowichan Women’s Business Network

A message from CWAV Executive Director, Nora Livingstone

Executive Director Nora Livingstone represented CWAV at Cowichan Women Business Network’s The Power of Our Voice: Women in Politics event in September.

What a wonderful welcome!

Two weeks ago I was able to attend my first in person event as the new Executive Director at CWAV. And I think I really hit the lottery because it was with Cowichan Women’s Business Network (CWBN). That's right, my first event was going to Cowichan Bay and spending the evening with capable, compassionate and celebratory women!

I heard from the Development team we would be getting a donation from the 50/50 draw and some in-kind clothing donations but I didn't not have my expectations set to the correct level. My entire car was FULL (just like my heart) at the end of the night! There is something special when diverse women come together to celebrate each other! The meal was provided by the Cook and Butcher (always a treat) and as luck would have it I sat next to local angel and hilarious being Fatima from Nourish Cowichan! We ate and we laughed and we listened to Maeve Maguire — Former BC Caucus Chief of Staff; Elected North Cowichan Councillor and Sonia Furstenau — Former BC Green Party Leader; MLA who discussed Community Action Network and what it's like being a woman in politics - from the inside! 

CWAV was the CWBN charity of choice for this event, receiving 50/50 raffle proceeds and generous in-kind donations.

I was so inspired, but I remembered I had a small, big job to do: tell everyone more about CWAV and how important the donations and clothing drive was to our clients. Coming together to celebrate women in local business means not forgetting our most vulnerable populations and how we can help each other. And that is exactly what I did - I was able to tell everyone that in the past year, 2,972 individual clients were able to receive care through our services. This can't be done without donors, supporters, members, advocates and our wonderful staff. 

CWBN has been so kind and generous and we thank them so much. This ongoing support means more than we can express. I am very much looking forward to seeing everyone around the community we love so much. It is better because we are all working together. 

– Nora Livingstone, CWAV Executive Director