Delta’s Lisa Martella is one of 75 nominees announced for the 39th annual YWCA Metro Vancouver Women of Distinction Awards.
The awards, presented by Scotiabank, honour individuals and organizations whose outstanding activities and achievements contribute to the well-being and future of our communities. Since 1984, YWCA Metro Vancouver has paid tribute to more than 340 award recipients and 2,025 nominees.
Martella is the Executive Director of A Loving Spoonful, providing free meals and nutritional support to people affected by HIV and co-existing illness.
Faced with financial challenges due to COVID-19, Martella refocused the organization and recently opened one of the largest commercial kitchens in the Downtown Eastside to continue providing nutritious meals to people facing barriers to food security.
In addition to elevating A Loving Spoonful’s HIV-specific services, she has pivoted the organization to help with emergency isolation cases and to assist vulnerable populations who were not able to access their regular meal service due to the pandemic.
She also began a social enterprise called Spoonful’s Candy Creations to sell candy buffets, candy bags and other candy products to help fund their programs. She is also a board member of Touchstone Family Association.
In addition to the 12 nomination categories, the individual nominees are eligible for the Connecting the Community Award. Nominees will select a YWCA advocacy area in which they are interested and use social media channels such as Twitter and Facebook to promote votes.
From March 4 to April 13, the public can cast their votes online and the nominee with the most votes will receive the Connecting the Community Award. Scotiabank will donate $10,000 to the YWCA program area of the winner’s choice.
Award recipients will be announced at the Women of Distinction Awards Gala at the JW Marriott Parq Hotel, Vancouver on May 26. Tickets will go on sale soon.
To purchase tickets for the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards, visit: ywcavan.org/women-distinction-awards.
