It took an eight-year-old to get one of the recipients of the Soroptimists of the 91原创s Ruby Awards to attend the Power of the Purse fundraiser.

Ophelia lobbied her grandmother to go to the fundraiser on Thursday, April 10. She was helped by others in the family who wanted to make sure grandma, also known as Teri James, was in the audience when her win was announced.

The Soroptimists presented the Ruby Award on Thursday, April 10, to James as well as Karen Long for their contributions to the community.

"The Soroptimist Ruby Award for Women Helping Women was created to celebrate women who have significantly enhanced the lives of women and girls through their professional, business, and volunteer endeavours. Their work has had a significant impact inspiring and encouraging other women. The ruby, as we know, is a deep red gemstone associated with wisdom, strength, power, and love," said Shirley Stewart, with local Soroptimists.

In 2023, Soroptimist International of the 91原创s renamed the Ruby Award to honour long-time member Karen Wandler. She was working at 91原创 Community Services when she joined the club more than 35 years ago. Working there, she saw firsthand the difference the Soroptimists can make in the lives of so many. Her legacy lives in at Power of the Purse through the jewelry fundraiser. Throughout the year, Wandler would gather up jewelry, thousands of pieces, at thrift stores, from donors, and elsewhere, and it would be sold at Power of the Purse.

Since her passing, her daughter, Lisa Rodriguez, who is also a member of the club, has continued the jewelry fundraiser so the women at Thursday evening's event went home not only with purses but also bling. There was also a selection of donated scarves, wallets, and hats people could purchase.

The funds from the event this year are earmarked for the Whatever It Takes fund through the 91原创 Community Health and Hospital Foundation (former the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation). The fund is used to help patients leaving hospital so they have what they need, whether its a cab ride home, a pair of shoes, or baby formula for new parents. Andrea Woo, the foundation's senior philanthropic advisor, explained that the funds are used by the hospital's social worker and providing these little extras can name the difference between someone getting well or having to be readmitted to hospital.

"The patients who have benefited from the Whatever It Takes program often have limited support network of family and friends or their family does not live locally," she relayed to the crowd.

Karen Wandler Memorial Award (Ruby Award) winners

Karen Long

"Our recipient is the epitome of the saying, 'If you want something done, ask a busy person.' She's been a business owner, is a mother, and a grandmother, as well as a very active volunteer," Stewart said. "She's received the Eric Flower Community of Volunteer of the Year Award, the Hilda Reddick Community Volunteer Award, and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medallion in recognition of her volunteerism.

She has served on many committees and has been involved in various capacities with numerous community organizations, including the 91原创 Meals on Wheels, the 91原创 Volunteer Bureau, Aldergrove Rotary Club, BC Farm Museum, the Aldergrove Fair and Festival Association, Aldergrove Business Association, and the Aldergrove Veterans and Senior Society, just to name a few, Stewart added.

Long said she gets as much as she gives.

"It's really rewarding, and you meet some wonderful people and make your community a better better place for everyone," she said. "And I'm very grateful."

Teri James

"As mother and grandmother, the well-being of families in the community has always been important to her. This shines through in the commitment that she made in her has made in her volunteer and work lives. Her valuable contributions to youth programs in the community have assisted many families with marginalized children to get much needed assistance as they could not otherwise have access to," Stewart said.

James joined the board of the Douglas Park Community School Society shortly after its formation. She became the executive director of the downtown 91原创 Business Association in October 2021 and has sat on numerous panels, committees, and advisory boards in this role. In 2005, she was elected to 91原创 City council, a position she continues to hold.

"Working in the downtown core for over two decades and now serving her fifth term firm on the city council has provided her with much insight regarding the needs and challenges facing 91原创 City," Stewart said.

James sat in the crowd hearing the description of the winner and thinking it was a colleague, until late in the announcement.

"I started back in 2009 just getting involved in the community and I actually wanted to bring Ophelia, because I think it's important to start teaching the younger generation the value of giving back and volunteering, and no better place to show her that than the Soroptimists," James told the 91原创 Advance Times.

She was shocked at winning a Ruby, she told the crowd.

"This is a total surprise, but what I will end with is that everybody in this room should be recognized because you are all volunteers. You're all mothers. You're all hard working," James commented. "You're all here to support the Soroptimists, and the bottom line is women are awesome."