1. SYLVIA’S STORY<br />To Sylvia Rempel, hardship and hard work are nothing new; to her the impossible only takes a little longer.<br />Her childhood years were spent in war-torn Europe, where her family lost everything. To start a new life they immigrated to Canada under the farm labor program where teen aged Sylvia kept up with the men in harvesting sugar beets and other farm chores.<br />Upon moving to Calgary, she entered post-secondary education, in spite of the language barrier, and she attained top marks. Even when married and raising 4 children, she was driven to achieve the best and always do above what was expected. Her chosen field was Clothing Design, Pattern-making and Clothing Technology with honors and was hired by SAIT as a sewing instructor.<br />Always an entrepreneur, she started her own business in 1978. She began with one seamstress in her basement and then became the President of Sun Ice Ltd. Which grew into Canada’s largest Ski & Golf wear Co. with sales of 30 million in 10 years and employed over 200 people? She received the YWCA Business Women of the Year Award followed by the MacLean’s Most Distinguished Woman Award (in 1987)<br />Sun Ice was awarded the Official Supplier to the 1988 Winter Olympics and was voted “Supplier of the Year” four times by over 1000 retailers.<br />Sun Ice products have been worn by many National Ski Teams, Crazy Canucks and Everest Expeditions.<br />Sylvia was never motivated by money or fame. Her main goal was to produce the best clothing products and services possible. Her main attribute is a deep seated compassion for the less fortunate. When she heard about the plight of the people in Sierra Leone, especially women, her heart went out to them. The war had left many women without husbands and incomes to support their families. She thought…”Can I help by offering my skills to these women?”<br />Sylvia knows from her many travels to the Pacific Rim, where large factories are run, that entry level industrialization is the garment industry, primarily based upon the effort of the women of that country. Although often criticized as “sweat shops” it is a starting point to economic revolution in many countries. History provided evidence of this fact. Garment manufacturing has led to the production of toys, shoes, appliances, computers, cars, etc. Sylvia has now licensed the Sun ice label to other manufactures to provide time for her 2 greatest loves: her grandchildren and her God. Sylvia has a servant heart and deep desire to give back to help others in need.<br />The war-torn widows of Sierra Leone have touched a place in Sylvia’s heart. She has begun a Sewing Training Program in Lungi and 70 women have already been trained. This program will require much support in the way of prayer, sewing teachers, supplies and funds.<br />