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«'M'ilon 's Aibin- Curis among three named Woman of Year By CLAUDIA D'SOUZA Special to The Champion Milton resident Rita Aibin- Curtis was hon- oured as one of three Womnen of the Year at the third annual awards gala held in Oakville Tuesday night. Hosted by the Women's Information and Support Centre of Halton, 200 people, including 15 nominees, attended the sold-out event at Glen Abbey Golf Club. Recipients af the Women of the Year Award are chosen for their exemplary service to.others and raise the bar on leadership, respon- sivenesa, action, perseverance and social awareness. Ms Aibin-Curtis is the founder and president of Wordsong Communications, which bas sup- ported and heightened awareneas of various charitiea through min- istry and music since 1997. She bas alsa worked tireleaaly ta tupport Rose Cherry's Home, a hospice and respite for terminally a nd chroni- cally ill ch il1- dren in north Milton. She bas volun- teered at the named Rita Alin-Curtis for the late wife aof Hockey Night in Canada fixture Don Cherry for the past five years. Since ber appointment as ca- chair last year, Ms Albin-Curtia bas been instrumental in raising $130,000 for the arganization. Clutching a framed certificate marking her accampliahment, the emotional mother ai three remarked, "I am humbled and will treasure this farever. Receiving an award is a wonderful affirmation. 1 would like ta thank my children for putting up with the late nights and absences fram home, my parents for tbeir constant help and their laving support, my family and friends for neyer aaying no and my husband." Dissolved ta tears alang with many in the audience, Ms Albin- Curtia praised ber husband, Father Mark Curtis, as ber "gentle giant,' ber inspiration and ber tarchbearer tbat continues ta show her the blessinga in lufe. Friend Katby Doutbart, wbo nominated ber for the award, met Ms Albin-Curtis thraugb ber bus- band, Father Mark, known as Canada's singing priest. "She's the type ai persan wha will drap everything ta belp same- ane in need,' she said. 'Sbe's been wonderful ta me and I felt confident she embadied aIl the necessary qualities. She doca what she does ta make tbe world a better place and she bas a real pas- Sion for Milton. Sbe wanta ta make it the best cammunity it can be." Ail praceeds ai the event support the Women's Centre, a non-profit arganization dedicated ta empow- ering wamen through support, information and progrmas. The two other Wamen ai Year were fram Burlington. W. would love#,; to hear your sttty ideas so contact us at 878-234 1. ON SAL STMA6 F I. A 2,20