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Women’s mixer and fundraiser for Dianne Whelan

500 Days in the Wild

Sunshine Coast author and filmmaker Dianne Whelan is a shining example of the astoundingly creative women who call the Sunshine Coast their home.

An inspirational motivator and a positive catalyst for all who hear her speak, Whelan will be sponsored by PowHERhouse Performance Strategies at a unique women’s event and film screening of her latest work, 40 Days at Base Camp, to be held on March 13 at Gibsons Public Market, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

This fundraising event will help support her next adventure beginning on summer solstice, June 21, a 24,000 km, 500-day non-motorized trek across Canada on the TransCanada Trail and back home to the Sunshine Coast.

This sacred sojourn will allow Whelan to capture the essence of what it means to be Canadian — on the ground — for her next book and film, 500 Days in the Wild, planned for a 2017 release. Falling as it does within the same week as International Women’s Day, the March 13 event will also offer an opportunity to honour local women for their positive community contributions.

“I had the honour of listening to Dianne speak last year at the Writer’s Festival, and I found her to be nothing short of captivating,” said presenting sponsor, Sunshine Coast Credit Union CEO Shelley McDade. “Her authenticity is something to be cherished. She’s real, she’s local and she’s doing things differently. These are all things that resonate with us at Sunshine Coast Credit Union; we’re excited to be part of kicking off Dianne’s next journey.”  

Coast Reporter publisher Peter Kvarnstrom added, “We are delighted to support the initiatives of Dianne Whelan, one of our own, as she strives to explore new terrain and challenges as an artist, journalist and woman. We hope to help chronicle her journey and share her stories on her next adventure on the TransCanada Trail.”

Community partner, the Sunshine Coast Community Resource Centre co-chair Pat Hunt agreed, “Dianne, your courage is inspiring. We at the CRC are so proud to support you as a Sunshine Coast entrepreneur, and we are with you every step of the way.”

Howe Sound Pharmacy has also joined these other local organizations as an event sponsor.

The evening includes a short ceremony honouring local women, Whelan’s presentation and a networking reception with community booths, decadent desserts and a silent auction. Limited tickets are available at powHERhouse.com/events for $39 each, $30 for Sunshine Coast Credit Union members. For more information, call 604-741-7985 or charlene@powHERhouse.com