By Susan Jacques 

This year, to acknowledge International Women’s Day, the Yamaska Valley Optimistic Club (YVOC) will be celebrating with flowers. Traditionally, a gala dinner has been held to honour notable women in our area and this is the most important fundraiser of the year. However, due to COVID, something different has been planned. The philosophy of this fundraiser is to give the whole community an opportunity to celebrate, honour, congratulate, or just give a bouquet of flowers to a woman, a mom, a teacher, a nurse. You choose.

In partnership with Debbie Hornig and Alison Marks from Fleurissima, the YVOC brings you fresh flowers. You have a choice of Breath of Spring: tulips at $25 (available on March 12 from 1-3 p.m.) or Joyful Mix at $75 (available on March 19 from 1-3 p.m.) at 3 Victoria, Knowlton. Order now at: YVOC.CA as the deadline is March 4. 

The main objective of the YVOC is to help youth in the Brome Missisquoi region. These youngsters are reached through many initiatives such as providing school supplies, helping to nourish hungry kids at both the elementary and high school level, and providing scholarships for youth leaving high school. It also supports group homes and provides, through the Christmas Angel program, Christmas gifts to children who are under-privileged. What better way to welcome spring and brighten someone’s life than with flowers and, at the same time, support a worthwhile cause.