Inspiring a room of women, Lorinda Stewart - the mother of journalist Amanda Lindhout - was the guest speaker Thursday as part of the International Women’s Day celebrations in the Comox Valley.
In August 2008, Linhout was seized at gunpoint in Somalia while working as a freelance journalist. Stewart shared her story as the lead negotiator with the kidnappers for her daughter’s life.
The event, which was held at 40 Knots Vineyard and Estate Winery Inc., celebrated women both in the Comox Valley and around the world.
Funds were raised to help grow the Inspired Women’s Award at North Island College. The annual award, inspired by IWD, is presented to a mature female student studying in a full-time program at NIC. The successful student will have completed her first, full-time year while also contributing to the greater needs of the community through volunteerism.