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GIRL GUIDES: Soroptimist — which means best for women — believes the most effective way to empower young women and girls is to provide them with access to education. The Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­chapter of the worldwide women’s organization has been improving the lives of women and girls locally and internationally for 90 years. The oldest chapter in Canada, the organization marked its milestone anniversary by holding a special high tea at the Roof of Hotel Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­â€” the very spot the club staged its first fundraiser nine decades ago. Chaired by Karen Brown, the event saw a capacity crowd file into the iconic room for the afternoon of celebrations and awards. The tea party with a purpose generated $10,000 to support the charitable organization’s ongoing efforts.  

INSPIRING HOPE: Deeply moved by the suffering of families in the developing world, a small group in New Westminster founded HOPE International 41 years ago. Dedicated to providing the most basic of human necessities — clean water, food, shelter, education and health — to the poorest of the poor, the charity has helped thousands in Africa, South Asia, South East Asia and the Americas. This year, the agency directed its humanitarian efforts to the water crisis in Ethiopia. Led by Kylé McPhedran and Jon McKenzie, 2,000 supporters filed into the Convention Centre for the fundraising dinner and screening of the film Voices from Ethiopia, highlighting the severe water crisis. Major gifts ranging from $750 to $25,000 rolled in following the premiere to help improve the lives of thousands.

BIG LOVE: To raise awareness about ovarian cancer, Franci Stratton, Cam Watt and Jill Schnarr steered the annual LOVE HER gala — a stylish cocktail party and fashion show — staged at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel. It’s a national effort with similar events in Calgary and Toronto. Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­was the final stop of the three-city tour. More than 300 guests, including the prime minister’s mom Margaret Trudeau, took in the runway romp and auction to support the effort to find a cure for the most fatal of women’s cancers. It’s often overlooked and under-diagnosed. The general-late detection of the disease results in a five-year survival rate of less than 30 per cent.

MAKING WAVES: One of Vancouver’s preeminent hotels, the Pan Pacific Hotel unveiled its newest restaurant and bar, Oceans 999 and Coal Harbour Bar. General Manager Craig Norris-Jones welcomed foodies, tastemakers and influencers to the property’s stunning new space designed to complement the city’s breathtaking harbour and mountain views regulars have been accustomed to enjoying for the past three decades. The menu offers even more to savour. With an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, it serves up a fine selection of West Coast cuisine. For view-seeking moms this Mother’s Day, the restaurant’s acclaimed brunch buffet may be just the ticket.