We’re thrilled to announce Wanda Bedard, fearless leader of 60 million Girls, will be the recipient of this year’s Laurie Normand-Starr Humanitarian of the Year Award.

Ms. Normand-Starr spearheaded an annual event called Taste of the Nation, now known as Table of Hope, which has collected more than $2 million for charity since the Montreal chapter was founded 17 years ago.  Sadly, Ms. Normand-Starr passed away two years ago after a battle with cancer.  To honour her memory, her husband and son have set up a humanitarian award in her name, which will be presented during the Table of Hope event at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel on May 9, 2011.

The prize is to be awarded to a Montreal organization which fights against hunger and poverty, specifically affecting children.  The selection committee was unanimous in their choice of Wanda as the recipient of this award.

“It is a great honour to receive this wonderful award particularly as it represents a determined and passionate woman’s dream of making a difference in her community,” says Ms. Bedard.  “I greatly respect and admire Ms. Normand-Starr’s work and major achievements over the course of many years.  I very humbly accept this award in recognition of the energy and effort of all the amazing women and men on the 60 million girls team making a difference in children’s lives around the world.”

The prize will be presented to Ms. Bedard at a cocktail prior to the Table of Hope event.  Table of Hope will be hosted by Mila Mulroney and Julie Snyder.  100% of profits from the evening go to support Share the Warmth, an organization of volunteers who prepare, package and deliver food to school children in need.

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We’d like to thank Father John Walsh, who nominated us for this prize.  Thank you so much, Father John!!  This recognition means so much to us all.