Kootenay Women Celebrate International Women's Day

For immediate release
February 24, 2009

Kootenay Women Celebrate International Women's Day

To mark International Women's Day this year, Local 309 of the BC Government and Service Employees' Union is hosting a Pajama and Karaoke Party for women age 19+ on Saturday, March 7, at 7pm at the Trail Labour Centre (910 Portland Street, Trail).

BCGEU Local 309 represents frontline workers in women's services, child care, and other local community social service organizations. BCGEU member Patsy Harmston explains, "Our members wanted to find a way to celebrate women's history as well as show our solidarity with the women we serve in our communities."

Admission to the event is a donation of brand-new pajamas, nightgowns, slippers, or underclothing for women and children (for all ages and all sizes). Also gratefully accepted will be donations of writing journals, daytimers, hairbrushes, feminine hygiene products, diapers, etc. These items will be distributed to different women's services groups in the West Kootenay and Boundary area.

International Women's Day has its origins in international labour, socialist, and peace movements that arose in the early 20th century. In 1977, the United Nations adopted a resolution calling on member states to proclaim a day for women's rights and international peace. Canada chose March 8 to observe as International Women's Day.

For more information or to donate items - please call Patsy Harmston at 250-364-1060 or the BCGEU area office at 250-354-4808 or toll-free 1-800-667-1061.