Zonta Business Grant Winners Announced

Winners of the Zonta Women in Business Grants will be named on Thursday 17 May at the Christchurch City Council.

The Deputy Mayor, Lesley Keast, will host a cocktail party to celebrate the presentation of the Zonta Club of Christchurch-Canterbury's Women in Business Grants.

The Women in Business Grant scheme was set up by the club, in conjunction with the Canterbury Development Corporation, in 1998. Two grants, each of $3500, are offered each year.

Last year the recipients were Marilyn Marshall of The Beautiful Box Company, who set up a website to promote her souvenirs and gifts on the Internet, and Toybox To The Rescue Ltd (Stephanie Pearce and Sharon Screen) which hires toys to companies and individuals.

"These grants are a worthwhile project and I am pleased to be associated with it," says Mrs Keast. She says she is keen to reach as many city professional women as possible to encourage them to seek membership of Zonta.

Zonta is a worldwide group for women executives and among its aims is the improvement of the legal, political, economic, education, health and professional status of women.

It also promotes justice and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Zonta is non-partisan and non-sectarian and was founded in the United States in 1919. In 1999 there were 34,000 members in more than 1200 clubs in more than 65 countries.

Mrs Keast says professional women should consider being part of Zonta as it was a worthwhile service organisation. The keynote speaker at the awards evening will be Councillor Paddy Austin who speak about innovation and creativity in the 21st century.

The function will start at 6pm on the first floor of the Civic Offices, Tuam Street. Further details contact: Janet Messervy: 385 3537.

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