Embrace Equity March 8 with your Chamber at International Women's Day Breakfast Event • Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce

Start International Women’s Day (IWD2023) off right March 8 by having breakfast and embracing equity with difference-makers at the Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst.

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Embracing Equity is the global theme for International Women’s Day and the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce is inviting everyone to share in this world-wide embrace of equity and inclusion in person, in Muskoka.

“This day celebrates achievement, raises awareness about discrimination, and commits us to action to drive gender parity,” says Chamber Executive Director Norah Fountain.

“We’re bringing together people with different lived experiences to build our understanding of what equity means, to celebrate strides made, and to consider what more needs to be done.”

The morning includes keynote remarks from philanthropist Isabella Baboury, Director of Christian Louboutin Canada, and founder of The Birthday Wish Project. “We work with donors and various community organizations so that every child can have their birthday dreams come true” explains Baboury.

“Isabella (Baboury) works equally hard on giving back as she does on her career – and getting to where she is today was no easy feat,” adds Fountain. “I want to hear more of her story, and I think others will as well.”

There are also gifts donated for the event, including a $2500 door prize from PearlMD Muskoka, a Muskoka Chair and side table from Muskoka Chair Company, bon bons from the Cacao Boys, and hundreds of dollars of Joseph Ribkoff gift certificates from Muskoka Bay Clothing, to name just a few surprises in store for attendees (there’s something for everyone!).

Tickets are $35 online at Eventbrite.com/EmbracingEquity or contact the Chamber. The breakfast event runs before museum opening hours from 7:30-9:45am.

As part of the Chamber’s commitment to equity, the Chamber is also raising funds for YWCA Muskoka programs. Artist Steve Tracy, who is building a new studio in Huntsville, donated an original oil painting of Muskoka for the fundraiser. You can bid on “Passing By” at 32auctions.com/EmbracingEquityMuskoka.

You can bid on this beautiful oil on canvas donated by artist Steve Tracy.

March 8, 2023 marks the third International Women’s Day event led by a Chamber in Muskoka. Breakfast this year will be catered again by Indigenous restaurateur Nicole Richard, owner of The Hook and Ladder, and Trinity United Church Gravenhurst offered their kitchen for her to use.

“The offers to help just keep coming,” says Sam Christensen, event manager, who secured the event’s keynote speaker. “Event partners include Jayne’s Cottages, Chelsey Penrice of Harvey Kalles and Lakeland Networks. Owners of male-owned companies have pitched in, too, including Muskoka Springs, Red Maple Carpentry, North Rosseau Construction and Conklin Construction.

Everything the Chamber does is connected to its goal of prosperity for all, adds Christensen. “Inclusion is part of the prosperity solution, and there’s no better time to recognize that than on International Women’s Day.”

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS for making this event possible:

TD Bank Group

A massive thank you to our International Women’s Day breakfast Title Partner TD Bank Group. Diversity and Inclusion are part of their fundamental values that help support customers, colleagues and communities. From hiring practices to accessible buildings, TD is working to maintain a welcoming and barrier-free culture for everyone.

Jayne’s Cottages

Our Chamber thanks Jayne McCaw for supporting the Muskoka Discovery Centre as our Venue Partner. RBC Canadian Women’s Entrepreneur ‘Women of Influence’ Winner, and the person behind one of the Globe and Mail’s Top Growing Companies, Women Entrepreneur, Jayne McCaw, has grown her business to offer the finest rental properties and concierge services .

Lakeland Networks

Lakeland Energy’s retail arm Lakeland Networks provides internet services to more than 8,000 customers in Parry Sound, Muskoka, Almaguin, and Wasauksing First Nation areas. Fibre optic and wireless internet service is provided in communities from South River south to Orillia, east to Lindsay and Fenelon Falls, as well as west to Wasauksing First Nation and additionally Parry Sound. Lakeland Networks is the largest and most diverse locally owned and based communications provider in the District of Parry Sound & Muskoka. Lakeland Energy is a subsidiary of Lakeland Holding Ltd. wholly owned by the municipalities of Bracebridge, Huntsville, Parry Sound, Burk’s Falls, Sundridge and Magnetawan.

Chelsey Penrice, Harvey Kalles Real Estate

Our speaker, Isabella Baboury, is the founder of The Birthday Wish Project, and Broker Chelsey Penrice has donated $500 to the Project to help the Chamber thank Isabella for being with us on International Women’s Day. Chelsey Penrice is a Broker with Harvey Kalles Real Estate, and is a business graduate from St. Francis Xavier University. She is always giving back to our community and she has been honoured with the Rising Star award from the PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise. Fun fact: Chelsey played rugby for Team Canada.

Dr. Jennifer Pearlman of PearlMD Muskoka

Dr. Jennifer Pearlman is a medical doctor with a focused practice in the area of women’s health and wellness, with the belief that beauty comes from within. You can find her practice in port Carling and on select summer periods in Minett. She is also a friend of Isabella Baboury, and Dr. Pearlman has donated a $2500 experience as a door prize for all attendees.

Celebrating Equity Partners:

The following have donated $200 each to show their support for Embracing Equity.

Muskoka Springs

Muskoka Springs stands for quality, integrity, history, and tradition in Muskoka. One of the oldest continuously-running businesses in Muskoka for over 150 years, they have been at the heart of Cottage Country culture since the beginning, bottling Natural Spring Water and crafting iconic beverages.