YWCA Muskoka’s Board of Directors will be presenting the 2019 Maggie Ringling Award to Dr. Eva Olsson at the charitable organization’s 22nd Annual General Meeting on Thursday, April 18. Dr. Olsson will be giving a half hour presentation at 6:30 pm at YWCA Muskoka.
Dr. Eva Olsson is a holocaust survivor. She was born in Hungary into a poor family of Hasidic Jews in 1924 (she’s 94 years old). Almost three-quarters of a century ago, she experienced several extermination camps including the most notorious—Auschwitz. She and her sister survived.
Since 1996, she has told her story more than 3800 times, to schools, universities, colleges, and churches.
Eva Olsson has received several awards and recognition including honorary degrees, Peacemaker of the Year Award, and United Nations guest speaker. She has published a book about her experiences called Unlocking Doors, and a CD entitled Stronger than Fire.
Dr. Olsson continues to share her story across North America, sensitizing future generations on reoccurring themes of racism and prejudice.
“We are inspired by Dr. Olsson’s story and her life-long dedication to sharing a message of anti-racism to so many people,” says Hannah Lin, Executive Director of YWCA Muskoka. “Now more than ever we need to value her action of love for a better world.”
Maggie Ringling was dearly loved and was renowned for her passion and commitment to the development of support services for women and children. The Maggie Ringling Award has been awarded annually since 2009 by the YWCA Board of Directors to an individual, woman or man, or organization for breaking down barriers and advancing opportunities for greater social and/or economic equity for women and girls, and in recognition of the cumulative impact of their many years of contributing to the wellbeing our Muskoka communities.
YWCA Muskoka’s Board of Directors welcomes community and YWCA members alike to the YWCA Muskoka Gathering Space, at 440 Ecclestone Drive, for a short and lively business meeting followed by a half hour presentation by Dr. Eva Olsson on her journey educating people about racism.
Refreshments will be provided. Community guests and YW members are welcome!
Please RSVP by email to [email protected] or phone 705-645-9827.
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A wonderful tribute to an amazing woman whom I am honoured to call friend. She has taught me so much about life and love over the years since I first met her and invited her into my classroom at BMLSS to talk to my students about her experiences during WW2. Congratulations, Eva.
I read her one book and heard her speak at a women’s retreat. She is such an inspiration and her story changes you. So very deserving of this award.
Sandi Munz