About Us

Soroptimists serving the North Shore community since 1950

Our club
For 61 years the North & West Vancouver Soroptimists have provided assistance and financial support to local community organizations. Soroptimists are women of all ages, cultures, and ethnic groups. We are mothers, sisters, nieces and neighbours who care about our community and advocate for those who cannot. We are realtors, accountants, interior designers, nurses, florists, educators, hair stylists, legal assistants and office administrators. We come together each month to make a difference in the lives of others. Our meetings are full of laughter, comradery and fun and are occasionally accompanied by a delicious meal.

Our mandate
Soroptimist International of North & West Vancouver is part of Soroptimist International – an organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. Almost 100,000 Soroptimists in 125 countries and territories contribute time and financial support to community and international projects that benefit women and girls.

Soroptimist means “best for women,” and that’s what we strive to achieve. Soroptimists are women at their best, helping other women to be their best.

Our Mission
Together we share our time, talents and fundraising efforts to
- Improve the lives of women and girls
- Help women achieve economic and political equality
- Serve as a global voice for women
- Provide outstanding leadership development opportunities for women
- Enhance world peace and understanding

Our Leadership
Soroptimist International of North & West Vancouver is governed by a Board of Directors. Committees have responsibility for specific aspects of club activities.

Board of Directors 2010-2012
President -  Veronica Loat
Vice President - Margitta Schulz
Past President - Karin Bews
Treasurer - Carolina Ponte
Secretary - Marie MacKay
Director - Maureen Cafferata
Director - Sonia Kottmeier
Director - Wendy Vestergaard

Our Members
Judy Baillie - Registered Massage Therapist
Elaine Bennett - Vice-President Finance, & Chief Financial Officer
Karin Bews - Legal Assistant
Donna Boys - Purse Designer
Maureen Cafferata - Retired Airline Manager
Jindra Casperson - Certified General Accountant
Doris Cowan - Retired Company Secretary
Fatima da Ponte - Accountant
Gail Gatehouse - Interior Designer
Erika Hayes - Retired Nurse
Denise Heah-Auberson - Sales Representative
Sonia Kottmeier - HR Program Adiminstrator
Veronica Loat - Businesswoman
Marie MacKay - Retired R.N.
Carolina Ponte - Accountant
Margitta Schulz - FLorist
Lois Taylor - Adult Educator
Wendy Vestergaard - Hairdresser
Dorothy Walter - Realtor
Liz Watt - Businesswoman