Each issue we honour some of the Manitoba women who are making a difference in our community and across the world.

Last month, 52 nominees were recognized at the 2007 YWCA-YMCA Women of Distinction Awards. Over 900 people were in attendance to celebrate the nominees and the 10 award-winners: Active Living and Sport: Joan Kunderman; Arts and Culture: Rev. Margaret Mullin; Business and the Professions: Karen Busby; Community Voluntarism: Roz Prober; Creative Communications: Ingeborg Boyens; Education and Training: Kim Midford; The Gerrie Hammond Memorial Award of Promise: Peiki Loay; Health and Wellness: Laurie Read; Research and Innovation: Dr. Lesley Degner; Young Woman of Distinction: Ang’er Ruay.

Nominations for the 2008 Women of Distinction Awards begin November 1, 2007.

Royal Winnipeg Ballet School student, Hannah Taylor created the Ladybug Foundation five years ago when she was just five years old. After witnessing a homeless man eating out of a garbage can, she began to ask questions about homelessness, which sparked a desire to help those less fortunate.

Hannah’s Ladybug Foundation has raised nearly $500,000 to help Canada’s homeless. Now 10, Hannah travels across the country to spread her message. Visit ladybugfoundation.ca to learn more.

Half of the musical duo Easily Amused, musician and designer Renée Léone has accumulated a collection of vintage scarves from stores she’s visited across North America while on tour. About a year ago she began transforming those scarves into shirts and now has five different styles. “I really enjoy working with vintage clothing turning something into something else,” says Léone.

Her unique shirts are available at four Winnipeg locations: Brave New World (141 Sherbrook St.), Closet Chick (Portage & Ruby), October (Grant Park Mall) and Candor (Provencher & Des Meurons). For more info, or to book a home party for you and your girlfriends, call 299-6054 or visit myspace.com/reneeleone.