Calendar Girls a-Calling!
By SIOBHAN AIREY
VANCOUVER - So how many Calendar Girls do you know? No, I'm not referring to the 2003 film with Helen Mirren and Julie Walters, but to our very own Irish Women's Network Charity Calendar Girls who turned out in force to the launch of the IWN Charity 2008 Calendar on September 21 in Mahony's Pub at UBC.
Proceeds will go to two charities, the Celtic Society of Canada, a registered non-profit society based here in Vancouver, which helps people of Celtic heritage in time of need, and Our Lady's Hospice in Lusaka, Zambia that cares for people with HIV/AIDS and cancer.
Find out how many Calendar Girls you know by purchasing one from Deirdre O'Ruairc, call (604) 538-6765. Calendars can be picked up at various locations around Vancouver. They also make a lovely photo album of all your Irish friends in Vancouver - a wonderful "keepsake."
Nollaig na mBan 2008
Nollaig na mBan (pronounced Nol-ag na Mon) means 'Women's Christmas' in Irish Gaelic and is celebrated on January 6, the twelfth day of Christmas.
Having had a busy few weeks beforehand, this was the day when the women downed tools and had a day off and the men folk took on all household duties for the day.
A tradition that's experiencing a revival in Ireland, the IWN have celebrated it every year and they are looking forward to a right hooley on January 5 at the Renaissance Hotel in Vancouver.
The event will consist of dinner, entertainment by John Cronin of the Killarney show band, followed by ceili dancing and singing. It's a great occasion to meet up with friends and catch up after Christmas, and it's one of the social highlights of the IWN year.
Tickets are $50. To book yours, contact Geraldine Megannety at (604) 451-4125, e-mail: megannety@hotmail.com, or Deirdre O'Ruairc (604) 538-6765, e-mail: shamrockhome@shaw.ca. This is the start of the IWN's tenth anniversary celebrations and will be an extra special event!
Ten Years and Counting...
Ten years ago, about 30 women gathered in a room in Burnaby Library for the first time as a group of Irish women, and from these beginnings, the IWN was formed.
Now numbering over 300 members, the IWN is keen to celebrate 10 years of community, and to gather the stories of the first decade.
Do you have a story, a connection or a photo that was sparked by the IWN? If so, they would love to hear it. Please contact Deirdre O'Ruairc, if you have something to share. All material will be fully acknowledged and returned.
Their intention is to record, celebrate and share the stories and experiences of Irish women in Vancouver and B.C., through the Irish Network in the year ahead. They are planning to begin the collection with a display at the Nollaig na mBan celebration and would welcome material for that event on or before December 6.
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