12 Muskoka Outstanding BusinessWomen’s Awards 2009
Heart & Soul Award
Nominees
AWARD
Recipient
Muskoka, taking programing
to the next level.
her midwifery certification
Building quality and
was a lifelong dedication to
affordable programs for the
women’s studies. After her
community, especially for
schooling and placements,
those who were falling
she is happy to be in Musko-
through the cracks, was
ka again to join her family
Bray’s mission. She wanted
and to work in an area that
to reach out to those who
she is passionate about. Smith
were in need by giving them
is always learning, upgrading
the tools for a second chance.
her certifications and attend-
Despite the essential services
ing seminars.
it provides, YWCA Muskoka
On average she works 60
operates without any ongoing
hours a week and is on call 24
sources of funding. Bray kept
hours a day, seven days a
it going through tough times,
week but she still makes com-
CAROLYN never compromising the
SARAH JEAN SMITH munity involvement a priori-
BRAY quality of programs.
Associate midwife, ty in her life. She learned sign
Benefitting from the boost
Midwives of Muskoka language and volunteered
Executive director, given by Bray’s hard work
Honoured to be involved in with non-verbal handicapped
YWCA Muskoka and dedication at YWCA needs of women’s health. improvement and believed
every step of a mother-to-be’s adults. The experience was
(Dec. 11, 1962 to Mar. 14, 2009) Muskoka, there are now pro- Known as a social activist, there wasn’t a problem out
pregnancy, Sarah Jean Smith rewarding, and she made
Described as a vibrant grams available for girls, Bray was not afraid to shed there that couldn’t be worked
finds inspiration at every many new friendships.
woman with a zest for life, boys and young women at the light on Muskoka’s grittier through.
birth and her clients are her Making time to support
Carolyn Bray, who died trag- elementary and secondary side, identifying local eco- A loving mother and wife,
role models. numerous community groups,
ically in an accident which levels. New partnerships have nomic and social issues such Bray was considered a friend
“I love helping new fami- she volunteers for the
also claimed her daughter, also been developed to offer as unemployment, lack of by many who were captivated
lies,” she says. “This is more YWCA, lends a hand at
Jolene, was known by many employment programs for affordable housing, child with her outgoing personality.
than just a job. I’m always women’s shelters and is part
for her outstanding social men, such as life skills train- welfare, abuse and addic- When she walked into a
there for the women that I of the Orillia Soldiers’
contributions to the commu- ing for the Georgian College tions. She recognized the room, you could feel her
take care of, whatever their Memorial Hospital board.
nity. pre-apprenticeship program. importance of confronting presence, say her colleagues.
needs.” Smith is also an advocate of
Starting her career as a In addition to her contribu- those issues head on and Her confidence, shining per-
Now joining her colleagues clean living and respecting
broadcast journalist and tion to YWCA Muskoka, helped provide services for sonality and infectious laugh
Barb Borland and Dianne the environment, and she is
columnist, Bray was appoint- Bray was also an appointed those who were struggling. took centre stage. Perhaps her
Smith as a business partner at currently building her own
ed as YWCA Muskoka’s director of the North Simcoe A strong leader, Bray nominators describe her best:
Midwives of Muskoka, Sarah eco-home.
executive director in 2002. Muskoka Local Health Inte- always worked with her team “She was a rare combination
Jean Smith is a young profes- “I love the community I
Within three years, she and gration Network Board, serv- to find out what was and was- of meat and potatoes practi-
sional who instils confidence live in,” she says. “I’m glad
her staff helped the YWCA ing as a passionate and vocal n’t working. She felt there cality and crème brulee deca-
and security with her clients. and honoured to offer my
expand its presence in contributor addressing the was always room for dence.”
What drew her to pursue services to the area.”
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