Celebrating First Responders and IWD 2023

Each year, the accomplishments, capabilities and possibilities of women is marked and celebrated on March 8th as part of International Women's Day (IWD) celebrations.  A day to recognize all that she can do and has done.  It is also a time to reflect on the progress women have made in our society and to learn what more can be accomplished in helping women fulfill their full potential personally and professionally.

 

Public safety - It plays a critical part in ensuring residents of any community have the opportunity to live well and reach their personal full potential.  Public safety is about protecting the general public and prioritizing an individual's physical safety.  First Responders - including firefighters, police officers and paramedics - are most often providing the hands-on support that makes any community physically safe. In York Region, the multiple first responder organizations include York Regional Police, Ontario Provincial Police, York Region Paramedic Services and Central York Fire Services.

 

 

Inspiration For All

For IWD 2023, the purpose again is to showcase all that first responders do to keep our comunities safe and healthy for all.  For this year, the event has been renamed INSPIRE to both emphasize the inspiration that female first responders provide to residents and community members as they go about their jobs each and everyday, and to also inspire young people to consider a career as a first responder. 

 

York Region Community Open House - Celebrating First Responders and IWD 2022

 

In addition to celebrating the inspirational roles that first responders play, we are also excited to showcase a number of local community groups, advocates and entrepreneurs who are working hard to support and inspire those living and working in York Region.  This year's event again provides visitors to engage with a wide variety of community-oriented vendors and include Girls Inc., Rose of Sharon, Town of Aurora, Town of Newmarket, Central York Girls Hockey Association, YorkPRIDE, Newmarket African Carribean Canadian Association, Bookworms and Co., Serving With Pride, Global Pet Foods Aurora, Seneca College, 100 Women Who Care of Central York Region, Femme Gaming Group,  Durham Divas Motorcycle Club, Pretty Heroes, MADD, Southlake Foundation and SeeWhatSheCanDo.

 

 

Below you'll find links to four female first responders who have generously shared their own personal stories around what it's like to do their jobs and what they do to be their best when on and off duty.  We invite you to read each of their stories below.  Please also enjoy our highlight reel from our INSPIRE event that took place on Saturday March 4th from 10am to 2pm at CYFS Fire Station 4-5 in Aurora, Ontario. 

 

INSPIRE 2023 - The Highlight Reel

 

Her First Responder Stories:

INSPIRE - Introducing CYFS Firefighter Catherine Bourrie - Celebrating International Women's Day 2023

INSPIRE - Meet YRP Constable Dezy Jones - Celebrating International Women's Day 2023

INSPIRE - Introducing OPP Constable Jodi-Ann Morrison - Celebrating International Women's Day 2023

INSPIRE - Meet YRPS Paramedic Andrea ZaniniHooey - Celebrating International Women's Day 2023

 

SeeWhatSheCanDo

Check out the SWSCD Athlete Advisor, your online athletic business directory. Find, rate, and review programs, local community offerings, and businesses that will help you do your thing.  

Start a group around a physical activity in your neighbourhood. Explore events. Check out our SWSCD Hub.

Look for stories, businesses and more on our Active Living activity page.  

Tell us about your favourite way to get yourself moving. Share your highlights directly on our Discover blog or by using #seewhatshecando on social media and inspire others to get active.