Giving and Receiving

“In life, you get what you put in. When you make a positive impact in someone else’s life, you also make a positive impact in your own life. Do something that’s greater than you – something that helps someone else to be happy or to suffer less.” marcandangel.com

The theme of this newsletter is giving and receiving, and we, as the Board of Directors of The Women’s Centre, thought this would be the perfect time to talk about someone who has given her heart and soul to the Centre for the past 23 years. As one of the founding members and the Executive Director for the past 14 years, Melvina Walter has been a passionate advocate for the Centre, giving her time, guidance and energy to this wonderful place. Under her leadership, The Women’s Centre continues to be an invaluable community resource.

Melvina works tirelessly, going above and beyond to ensure that this Centre is here for the thousands of women in Halton who depend on it. Because giving of herself comes so naturally to her, Melvina never expected to receive anything in return, but she has.

Any of the women who visit the Centre see the enthusiasm and genuine joy in Melvina when she talks about how this Centre has helped women in the community. Her passion and dedication is contagious and inspires women to reach out to other women and take action in whatever way they can. The knowledge that the Centre is making a difference in the lives of women may be her biggest reward, but Melvina has also received recognition of her efforts from others.

In 2008 Melvina was given Ontario’s Leading Women, Building Communities Award for exceptional community leadership in improving the lives of women and girls in Ontario.  More recent honours include a 2012 nomination for the Order of Ontario and, just this past August, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

We are so proud of the work Melvina does. We offer our gratitude for all she gives to the Centre and congratulate her for the accolades she has received!