Local resident Marion Reeves knows the value of advocating for women's rights in her community as part of Zonta International.
Reeves has been a member of the women-empowering service club for more than 30 years in Brampton-Caledon. After retiring and moving to Newmarket, she said friends approached her about starting one in the area.
“I didn’t take much persuading,” she said. “We can see that a service club is something that’s needed. There are other great service clubs in the area, but Zonta is unique.”
Zonta Club of Central York officially began Nov. 7 with a chartering ceremony held in Aurora. The international organization seeks to improve women’s rights, advocating for gender equality and ending gender-based violence.
The Central York Club, featuring members from Newmarket and Aurora begins with 13 members. Representatives from clubs throughout Ontario attended the chartering ceremony, including Zonta district governor Sheena Poole.
“I am honoured 13 of you … have come together to form the Zonta Club of Central York and are willing to volunteer your time, skills and passion in pursuit of Zonta’s common goals of service, advocacy and fellowship,” she said.
Newmarket Mayor John Taylor attended and said it is exciting to see a club like this beginning.
“It’s so important, and let’s be blunt, one of the biggest mandates all communities have right now is to be more inclusive and to be more equitable,” Taylor said, adding that women all have experiences with inequality and systemic barriers. “What you’re doing is incredibly important as well, and I think you’re going to make a real mark in our communities, and there’s going to be some lives touched by it.”
Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas sent a letter with his congratulations.
“I want to thank you for your dedication and your commitment to helping empower women here in our community,” Mrakas said.
After more than a year of effort getting ready to start the club, Reeves said it feels good to get an official start.
“Now we’ve already got some plans in the works,” she said, adding that will include participating in the York Regional Police’s Holiday Heroes campaign, as well as club fundraising for other projects.
The event featured a candle-lighting ceremony, representing the passion and vision of Zonta and the women who came before it.
“We are confident you will contribute your caring, enthusiasm and talents to this club,” Poole said.
Those interested in joining the new club can contact Reeves at [email protected].
