20th annual Ethels highlighted by Pioneer Award winner Irene Frith

Irene Frith was among those honoured at the Richmond Review's Ethel Tibbits Women of Distinction Awards.

Bhreandain Clugston photo

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The 20th annual Ethel Tibbits Women of Distinction Awards started in style and ended in an emotionally-touching moment.

In front of an audience of nearly 400 people, eight women were honoured for their contributions to Richmond at the Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport Friday afternoon.

The luncheon also served as a fundraiser for Nova House, a Chimo Community Services-operated shelter for women and their children escaping domestic violence, and is named after the pioneering publisher of The Richmond Review.

The highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the Pioneer award to Irene Frith, the mother of Richmond Centre MLA Rob Howard.

She said she was amazed at the gathering of women at the luncheon as she graciously accepted the surprise award.

Also honoured were: Cady Xu, business; Shirley Olafsson, sports; Annette Jakubowski/Heather Joosten-Fair, arts; Clara Chow, community (volunteer); and Ella Huang, community (professional).

Friday's Ethels took place on International Women's Day, and the luncheon was attended by Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie, Richmond Steveston MLA John Yap, Richmond East MLA Linda Reid, Richmond Centre MLA Rob Howard and Richmond MP Alice Wong.