KAWARTHA LAKES-Linda Brown slowly made her way to the stage, wearing a foot brace, to accept an award for Extraordinary Determination.
On September 1st, 2015, Linda “Pinky” Brown was hit by a distracted driver while riding her motorcycle and through sheer grit and determination she battled back. In accepting her award Linda told the group about her initiative called “Don’t Drive Distracted”-#I Pinky Swear and she asked everyone in the audience to pinky swear they would never drive distracted again.
Pinky and her friends took the Don’t Drive Distracted #IPinkySwear Campaign to Parliament Hill a few weeks ago! “Every 30 minutes someone is involved in an accident due to distracted driving….. it could happen to you!” she says.
Women’s Resources City of Kawartha Lakes held their annual awards ceremony honouring local women Thursday night at the Ranch Resort near Bethany. Brown was one of six local women honoured.
The award for Extraordinary Communicator went to Constable Carrie Jenkins. Nearly three years ago, she became the Community Service Officer when, as she says, she was able to put her “gift of gab” to work. Although her term in that position is coming to an end, she’s excited to continue her work throughout a second three-year term, starting in January. Her application has already been accepted.
The role of Community Service Officer has taken her to classrooms and events across the community, and provided a platform on social media (on Twitter at @KLPSCSO), offering a new opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of many. “(Const. Jenkins) believes that building relationships and education youth on good decision making is fundamental in building a safe community. She has made it her goal and has been successful in connecting with our local youth from a preschool to college age. Through these alliances, she has gained the trust of our youth and feels the messages she is teaching are being heard and having a direct impact on the students,” wrote John Hagarty, Chief of KLPS in his nomination of Const. Jenkins for the award.
Jenkins teared up as she thanked her friends, family, Women’s Resources and Chief Hagarty for the award. “I’m amazed to be recognized for doing a job I absolutely love” She said. Here’s her acceptance speech:
Joey Henderson was named Extraordinary Mentor.
Marlene Morrison Nicholls won as Extraordinary Woman in Business.
Annie Merrell was name Extraordinary Woman of the year for her tireless and numerous volunteer efforts. “I am so excited, I’m just amazed.” Merrell told Kawartha 411. “I can’t believe I won, I never expected it for doing something that you just love to do and being acknowledged for it.”
The awards presentation takes place in October, Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the accomplishments of women.
For a full list of winners go to: https://womensresources.ca/extraordinary-woman-of-the-kawartha-lakes/