KELOWNA, BC, March 19, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Julie Wambeke, an 89-year-old long-time Kelowna resident and pro-life warrior, has been selected as a finalist for the City of Kelowna Woman of the Year Civic Award. The award is given yearly to “a woman in recognition of her overall outstanding contributions to the well-being of the City of Kelowna.” Such contributions need to be strictly on a volunteer basis in order to qualify for the award.
Julie was nominated for her decades of volunteer work in establishing several charitable organizations and raising money for others. However, it was her unwavering dedication to the pro-life cause that was emphasized in the nomination statement. Members of The Kelowna Right to Life Society, for which Julie sits on the executive of, said they were surprised that Julie was selected as a finalist, in light of the emphasis on her pro-life work.
Julie has managed – and continues to do so – the Pro Life Thrift Shop in Kelowna for 24 years, without ever asking for a dime in compensation. For years she has been out at 6:30 am every Tuesday to set up a weekly prayer vigil at the local abortion facility, no matter the weather conditions.
The winners will be announced at a Gala Awards and Dinner ceremony on April 30th, 2009 at a posh Kelowna Lakefront resort in front of 350 people.