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Tiffany Circle

• The Tiffany Experience
• Tiffany Circle Events
• History of Women in the Red Cross
• Steering Cabinet, Canadian Tiffany Circle
• Honourary Chair: Laureen Teskey Harper
• Videos
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• Canadian Launch of the Tiffany Circle

Honourary Chair: Laureen Teskey Harper

	Honourary Chair:  Laureen Teskey Harper

Like many women, Laureen Harper’s relationship with the Red Cross goes back many years. Growing up in Turner Valley, Alberta, Laureen was trained as a Red Cross swimming instructor. “The skills I learned served me very well during the years I worked at the pool, which was a pretty nice job to have during our hot prairie summers,” said Laureen.

From the beginning of her involvement with the Red Cross, Laureen was inspired by the strong role women have played throughout the history of the Canadian Red Cross. When asked what motivated her to be the Honourary Chair of the Tiffany Circle, Laureen replied, “The Tiffany Circle brings women together to join the Red Cross in achieving its mission of helping the most vulnerable in our society. These women are not only philanthropists, but leaders in their businesses and communities, and the strength of our combined efforts will have an incredible impact for all Canadians.”

As the wife of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Laureen has had the opportunity to witness first-hand the work of the Canadian Red Cross. Most recently, relief and support has been provided to thousands of Canadians affected by floods in Quebec and the prairies. Her fellow Albertans in the fire-ravaged town of Slave Lake were also assisted by the Red Cross, and continue to be given support as they rebuild their community.

Overseas, the Red Cross has responded to the tragic earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and is helping refugees fleeing political violence in the Middle East and North Africa. Teams of Red Cross volunteers are fighting the cholera outbreak in Haiti and malaria in Africa. “There is hardly a place on earth that has not benefitted from the work of the Red Cross,” said Laureen.

A graduate of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Laureen studied photography and graphic arts, and ran her own graphic arts business in Calgary until she moved with her husband to Ottawa in 2002. There, they have raised their two children, Ben and Rachel. In addition to her love of photography, Laureen is an avid gardener, enjoys riding her motorcycle and generously gives of her time to support causes that are close to her heart, including the Canadian Red Cross.

“Joining the Canadian Red Cross Tiffany Circle makes a powerful statement as a woman,” said Laureen. “It says, ‘I am a strong, successful woman and I am backing a strong, successful international organization.’ It says, ‘I want to join other women who share my values and my desire to make my country and our world a better, safer place for all.’”

 

Posted:  March 2, 2012