Thank you for attending the 2011 Persons Day Breakfast Gala!

One of the opening remarks made by the new Executive Director of LEAF, Sheryl Hoshizaki was how wonderful it was to see so many people who had left their cozy beds to come early in the morning to celebrate Persons Day at the 2011 LEAF Breakfast. Hosted by artist Heather Bishop, it was an event full of insightful thoughts, song,  good food and a celebration of the ongoing work LEAF does.

In the keynote address Dr. Avis Glaze spoke of the trailblazing work of the Honourable Beverley McLauchlin, Honourable Rosalie Abella and Michele Landsberg before speaking of the role of justice and equity in education. Great strides have been made in the last few years within education, in large part to policy initiatives and law reform. Dr. Glaze’s acknowledgement of past contributions and hope for the future generations of women spoke to the range of women in the audience.

Standing just outside the gathering one would see the coming together of women with a shared history of struggle but a collective energy for justice.  For over 100 young women that were sponsored by LEAF and OJEN, the breakfast was a kickoff for a day long educational opportunity entitled Trailblazers: Meeting Women in Law.

Longtime LEAF supporter Marilyn Roycroft was honoured by the board as she steps down from her role on the board to take on work with the foundation. It was her parting words to the young women to find an organization and contribute time that was a good reminder of how and why LEAF is able to do the work it does.

Watch the video footage from the Toronto event