YWCA Women of Distinction Award Voting

It seems like every contest and award has some sort of public voting involved nowadays, from the World Travel Awards to which new donut flavour is going to hit the shelves. The YWCA Women of Distinction Awards is no exception, but at least it's for a good cause!

When Trish was shortlisted for a YWCA Women of Distinction Award in Entrepreneurship & Innovation, she was asked to choose one of five worthy causes and provide a quote about why that particular cause is important to her. She chose 'Safe and Reliable Housing' and you can read her quote HERE.Each shortlisted candidate was asked to do this so that community members like you could support a cause of your choice by voting for a quote that you connect with. Voting begins April 26th and ends on May 28th at noon. You can vote once each day from now until then. The winning quote will be announced on June 1st, and the cause it supports will receive $10,000 from Scotiabank.

Please support safe and reliable housing in the Vancouver community by clicking HERE and voting for Trish's quote. By voting, you are also entered to win a prize pack that includes two tickets to the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards dinner and a two night stay at a YWCA hotel.

About the Safe and Affordable Housing Cause

“There is an affordable housing gap of 5000 low-income housing units and 300 transitional housing units in Surrey.” (Plan for the Social Well-Being of Surrey Residents, 2006)

Without a stable place to live, it’s hard to move forward in life. YWCA Vancouver is currently undertaking a campaign to build Alder Gardens, an affordable housing community for single moms and their children at risk of homelessness in Surrey. Rental rates will be determined using a pro-rated system where women pay no more than 30% of income. Income is the most easily measured indicator of being at-risk of homelessness. When housing cost exceeds 30% ofincome, adequate funds for good nutrition, appropriate clothing, and other necessities of life are often no longer available.

Alder Gardens will help each mother to build a healthier and more economically secure life for her children. A Community Development Worker will be available to residents and will assist them to develop networks in the community.

Please VOTE.

Thanks!

- Anny Chih

Trish is Shortlisted for a YWCA Women of Distinction Award

Guess who's been shortlisted for a YWCA Women of Distinction Award? Yeah, I know, it's a silly question since the answer is in the title and Trish's picture is right there -->

BUT, I'm going to pretend it's a surprise anyways: TRISH! Trish was nominated for a YWCA Women of Distinction Award last month by travel industry peers and members of the Vancouver community. The YWCA just released the list of shortlisted candidates this week, and Trish is one of the five finalists for the Women of Distinction Award in the Entrepreneurship & Innovation category.

For a full list of finalists, visit the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards website HERE.

Congratulations Trish!

- Anny Chih

News: Travel with Trish

In a world where more and more customer service lines are operated by automated pre-recorded responses, it’s hard to fathom the idea that the owner and founder of a well-established travel company would take the time to personally take your phone call and guide you on your escape from the rat race. But, that’s exactly what Trish Sare, Owner and Founder of BikeHike Adventures Inc. is doing!

In April of this year, Trish will be guiding two of BikeHike's most popular Central American adventures:

Rumble in the Jungle – Panama (10 days) April 15 - 24, 2010
This is the ultimate adventure for the adrenaline junkie. In 10 days, you’ll traverse the country from Pacific to Atlantic on your own sweat and steam. You’ll bike along twisted trails in deep fertile valleys, hike and zip-line through lush rainforests teeming with exotic wildlife, bounce down thumping rapids on a frothy world class river, snorkel in translucent seas filled with tropical marine life, and sea kayak amongst twisted mangroves and coral reefs.

Turtles and Trails – Costa Rica (9 days) April 24 - May 2, 2010
This trip is an even combination of adventure, ecotourism and voluntourism. The 9 day adventure begins with whitewater rafting down the Pacuare River, biking, hiking, zip-lining and relaxation in the steamy hot springs of the Arenal Volcano region. After heading East to the Caribbean, you’ll be assisting researchers patrolling the beaches where Leatherback and Green sea turtles lay their eggs. Only 1 in 1000 hatchlings survive to adulthood, so your work patrolling, gathering and relocating these eggs has huge implications for the survival of these species. You’ll come home feeling energized and full of great karma!

If you're thinking about joining Trish on an adventure, call (1 888 805 0061 toll free in North America) or e-mail us (info@bikehike.com) asap! Whenever Trish guides a trip, it sells out *fast*.

Anny Chih