Dekyi-Lee Oldershaw lives by the maxim of trusting in those whom she depends on and caring for those who depend on her.

The reward of a smile and fellowship after voluntarily investing 40 hours of her time advocating on accessibility issues is all the payment Joan Gallagher-Bell needs.

With attitudes such as these it is little wonder they are Halton's Women of the Year.

This trio, as well as 11 other female community leaders, was honored Tuesday night at the 10th annual awards event organized by the Women's Centre, an organization dedicated to empowering the region's female population.

Howie's empathetic arms stretch far beyond her Oakville home to Africa, India, Romanian and Peru, places where she has vaccinated children against polio with fellow Rotarians and worked in orphanages with Global Volunteers.

She has accrued a bevy of awards for her efforts too, including the Girl Guides of Canada's Meritorious Service Award, given because she founded a troop for mentally and physically challenged girls and women.

"With all of the accomplished women in this room, I am proud to be part of this community," Howie told the audience of about 175 who gathered at Glen Abbey Golf Club for the fundraising event and awards ceremony.

The formidable foes of blindness and Multiple Sclerosis have never gotten in the way of Gallagher-Bell's determination to open up the mobile world to people with disabilities.

"I am the richest lady I know," Gallagher-Bell said of her life.

As co-vice chair of the Halton Region Accessibility Advisory Committee her years of dedication caught the attention of the provincial committee focused on increasing access to public buildings, spaces and transportation for all Ontarians.

Healing figures prominently in Oldershaw's life. The former Tibetan nun has dedicated her time to helping others tap into their strengths and skills in Australia and Oakville where she founded the Lamp on the Path, a self-help organization based on the teachings of the Buddhist leaders such as the Dalai Lama.

A former national-level athlete and coach of the first all-female national level kayak team; Oldershaw has dedicated three decades to transforming the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual powers within people.

"I am certainly thankful to all of the men and women who have helped me grow inside and out," added Oldershaw.

The remaining 11 women recognized through the Women's Centre's celebration of excellence were:

- Marg Bartlett, Anita Boyce, Judi Perry Brinkert, Michelle Knoll, CJ Martin, Marlene George, Rev. Dr. Morar Murray Hayes, Penny Mackenzie, Diana Tuszynksi, Joyce See, and Ronica Sharpe.

While regional chair Gary Carr described these women and all community volunteers as "priceless heroes," keynote speaker and former Oakville mayor Ann Mulvale said each nominee has "left a legacy with someone in the community, made history and is a driving force for positive change."