As one tradition continues, perhaps another has just taken root in Centre Wellington.
March 8 marked the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day across the world.
But in Centre Wellington, a group of residents were celebrating with a bonspiel at the Fergus Curling Club.
Laurie Black Rooney, who organized that bonspiel, would like to see it become an annual event.
In addressing those gathered, Black Rooney welcomed participants to the first annual Grandmothers of the Grand Curling Bonspiel.
“Today is the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day – a day to celebrate and honour the achievements and accomplishments of women world wide.”
She said the last 100 years have seen the most significant changes and advances for women.
“When you think about it, it really isn’t that long ago, in the 1940s, women in Quebec were finally extended the right to vote. In 1960, women were allowed to become members of the senate.”
She added, “We’ve come a long way, yet it was not that long ago.”
Black Rooney added that other women worldwide don’t have the same basic human rights as in Canada.
“They don’t have health care. They don’t have protection against gender-based violence. They don’t have social security or pension.”
She said “We are here today to celebrate each other, have fun curling, but also to acknowledge women in the world who don’t have the same rights.” She was assisted by Dean Percy, of the Fergus Curling Club and Sharon Ogden, of Grandmothers of the Grand, in toasting the pipers and the curlers.
An event was held at the Elora Legion later that night also in celebration of International Women’s Day in conjunction with similar events worldwide.
