Eira "Babs" Friesen (1917 - 2008) was a community activist and long-time YWCA and YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg volunteer. She was the originator of the Y-Neighbours program and was instrumental in establishing the Women's Resource Centre at the Winnipeg YWCA in 1973, the first such centre offering women information, support and guidance in Western Canada and the model for dozens of social safety net programs and organizations ever since. She was active with her church, immigrant women, MATCH International, the Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba and the Council of Women of Winnipeg, the UN Platform for Action Committee and the University Women's Club.  She received numerous awards and honours for her contributions, including the YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Award. In 2003, she was also inducted into the Order of Canada.

This Award honours a woman, who, like Babs, has demonstrated courage, persistence and made a unique contribution to women's equality. The award was presented at the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg Women of Distinction Dinner on Wednesday April 28, 2010 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.

The YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg and the Manitoba Women's Advisory Council are delighted to announce that Kimberley Clare is the recipient of The Eira "Babs" Friesen Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Download Babs' and Kim's stories here

For further information about the Award, please contact the Manitoba Women's Advisory Council at 204 945.6281.