Women over 50 are seeing red

Despite being over 50, Rossita Schau is still very much young at heart.

This is made apparent at least once a month when she dons her whimsical red hat and purple dress.

These are the colours worn by the Red Hat Society, and the very combination suggests that, at least for a day, the group’s members are all about having fun and not taking life too seriously.

“Society’s perception of a woman who turns 50 is they have done their job raising the kids and can now move on to their rocking chair and knit away,” Schau says.

“What the Red Hat Society represents is that just because we are 50 doesn’t mean that we died, we can still have fun.”

With over 140 chapters throughout the province and counting, the Red Hat Society is certainly making its presence known.

This month the international organization marks its 10th anniversary, and to celebrate the occasion the “red hatters” of Manitoba hope to have April 25 recognized by the province as Red Hat Society Day.

“It is my understanding that the first chapter in Winnipeg started in Southdale, so I am thrilled to acknowledge these women,” says MLA Erin Selby (NDP, Southdale). who is working with the group to present the proclamation to the premier’s office.

“Physicians recommend from a status of health to join the group because it gets women out in a social event and it prevents them from feeling like the social part of their life is slowing down,” Selby says.

From frequenting tea houses to even taking lessons in pole-dancing these women show they still have a lot spirit left in them.

“We have done our bit for society by raising children and doing all the ABC’s and PTA’s and now it is our turn,” Schau says.

April 25 date was selected by the Red Hat Society because it’s the birthdate of the organization’s founder, Sue Ellen Cooper.

When visiting a friend turning 50, Cooper impulsively bought a bright red fedora at a Thrift shop.

After decorating the hat, she gave it to her friend who got so much enjoyment from the gift that she, too, gave a red hat to a friend. The exchanges continued and a sisterhood was soon formed.

“The goal we have is to create an atmosphere of fun and friendship for women of all ages and to promote a sisterhood of good-hearted, positive women who support and nurture each other in friendship,” Schau says.

Not ones to pass up an opportunity to celebrate, members of Winnipeg’s Red Hat Society are throwing a birthday bash April 25 at the Victoria Inn.

It is open to all the ladies of the Red Hat Society, friends and family members.

Those interested in joining one of the Winnipeg chapters can visit the the organization’s website at www.redhattersofmanitoba.ca.