Jessie Smythe (left), was thrilled and honoured to be named the 2012 recipient of the Osoyoos Soroptomists annual Ruby Award during the return of the Chez Femme Fashion Show and Dinner, which took place this past Saturday evening at the Sonora Community Centre. Club president Kim Bush presented Smythe with a plaque after announcing she was the Ruby Award winner. Photo by Keith Lacey.

Jessie Smythe wanted a fun night out on the town with some friends when she attended the Chez Femme Dinner and Fashion Show Saturday night.
Little did she know that she would be the named the winner of the Soroptomist Ruby Award given annually to a woman who goes beyond the call of duty to assist other women in their community.
“This was a complete and utter surprise,” said a smiling Smythe minutes after accepting the Ruby Award from Osoyoos Soroptomist Club president  Kim Bush before a packed house in the gymnasium at the Sonora Community Centre this past Saturday night. “It was a very pleasant surprise I have to admit because I wasn’t expecting this at all.”
Since moving to Osoyoos back in 1993 – she lived most of her life in Toronto – Smythe became heavily involved in the community as a volunteer and has been giving freely of her time and energy for most of the past 20 years.
“I joined the Osoyoos Seniors Centre about two months after I moved to town and, before I knew it, I was the secretary-treasurer,” she said. “I then got involved in the local art gallery and liked that very much … and pretty soon it seemed like I was volunteering with all kinds of organizations in town.
“I wanted to volunteer as a way of giving back to my community and I must say that I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I do it because I enjoy it.”
From the time she arrived with her husband John (who passed away last year) almost 20 years ago, Smythe said she has always known she made the right decision to settle down here.
“We chose Osoyoos to retire in based on a small advertisement I saw in a popular travel magazine,” she said. “I took one look at that picture and told my husband that’s where we’re going to retire and we never once regretted that decision.
“It’s one of the most beautiful small towns in Canada and the people are very friendly and warm and the weather is fantastic, so I don’t think we could have chosen a better place to retire.”
Bush praised Smythe for earning this prestigious award.
“I am very honoured to present our 2012 Ruby Award to an outstanding member of the Osoyoos community,” she said.
The Ruby Award honours the first Soroptomist Federation president Ruby Lee Minar, said Bush.
“Ruby is also a gemstone associated with wisdom, importance, vitality, strength, power and love … all words embodying this year’s award recipient,” she said. “This award honours women who are making an extraordinary difference in the lives of other women.”
Bush described Smythe as an amazing individual who continues to give and donate her time and energy to numerous local organizations.
“Soroptomists believe in helping to improve the lives of women so they can improve the lifestyle of their families and our award winner does just that,” she said.
Smythe was employed by Metro Toronto Homes for the Aged and was the manager of rehabilitation and recreation for many years.
In 1994, Smythe joined the Osoyoos Festival Society – she remains the treasurer and proud member.
She is also a member of the Sagebrush Lodge/Mariposa Gardens auxiliary. For years, she has purchased and wrapped gifts for each resident every year and delivers them each December.
“That works out to approximately 110 to 115 gifts of roughly $15 each,” said Bush. “By the way, she has already done her shopping for this year.”
Smythe is also a member of the Osoyoos Market on Main board, Sonora Community Centre advisory committee and Osoyoos Lawn Bowling Club member.
Smythe was named the 1999 Osoyoos Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year and is a past recipient of the Osoyoos Volunteer of the Year Award.
She was given an honorary lifetime membership in 2009 by the Osoyoos Concert Series board and received an award of excellence by the Osoyoos Art Gallery in 2006.
Smythe said receiving the Ruby Award ranks near the top of all her accomplishments.