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ALS Volunteer Awards for 2003
Individual media releases for each awardRUTH MCFEAT NAMED VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR BY ALS SOCIETY OF CANADA.pdf
AUDREY AND DUNCAN MCKINNON ADVOCACY EFFORTS RECONGIZED.pdf
DAN MALONEY HONOURED FOR CONTRIBUTION TO THE WALK TO D’FEET ALS.pdf
GILLES LEBLANC RECOGNIZED FOR LEADERSHIP IN THE ALS SOCIETY.pdf
BETTY'S RUN FOR ALS WINS EXCEPTIONAL FUNDRAISING AWARD.pdf
GEORGE GOODWIN RECOGNIZED FOR RAISING ALS PUBLIC AWARENESS.pdf
JOYCE SINCLAIR HONOURED BY THE ALS SOCIETY OF CANADA.pdf
MARIE SALAMOUN-DUNNE HONOURED BY THE ALS SOCIETY OF CANADA.pdf
The ALS Society of Canada is pleased to announce those receiving awards for 2003.
MYRA ROSENFELD VOLUNTEER AWARD
RUTH MCFEAT NAMED VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR BY ALS SOCIETY OF CANADA
Ruth McFeat is a long standing volunteer with the ALS Society of Ontario. She became involved when her husband Forest was diagnosed with ALS, sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 1996 and since then she has tried to assist others with their journey. A woman of strong opinions and actions, Ruth has never taken a backseat when she sees that something needs to be done. Currently, Ruth holds four different volunteer positions with the ALS Society of Ontario. She is the President of the London Chapter, the coordinator for the London Caregiver Group, a member of the Provincial Advisory Council and Board of Directors of the ALS Society of Ontario.
Most recently Ruth was a member of the Ontario Governance Committee charged with the task of downsizing the board and regionalizing the provincial society. This process involved weighing local issues and needs against provincial perspectives. Ruth ensured that the committee did not lose sight of the real reason for our work – those living with and affected by ALS. Although Ruth disagreed with the Committee on a number of issues, she was always gracious and kind. She did not lose heart, but stayed the course. As a result of her dedication, the reorganization of the ALS Society of Ontario is stronger and has a greater capacity to serve.
Dumbledore, Harry Potter’s headmaster, says “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.” This applies to Ruth as she questioned and challenged each proposed change in order to make certain the organization stayed true to its mission. Ruth truly has the courage of her convictions and as a result the ALS Society of Ontario is much richer for her having asked the tough questions.
For her important governance work as well as her longstanding and invaluable contributions to the London Chapter of the ALS Society of Ontario, Ruth McFeat is awarded the Myra Rosenfeld Volunteer Award.
The Myra Rosenfeld Volunteer Award recognizes exemplary volunteer leadership. It is awarded for an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the mission and goals of the ALS Society of Canada by a volunteer. The award honours Myra Rosenfeld, a dedicated volunteer who died from ALS in 1990, and is given to an individual who epitomizes volunteerism through selfless contribution to the Society and those it serves.
BRETT YEREX EXCEPTIONAL ADVOCACY AWARD
AUDREY AND DUNCAN MCKINNON ADVOCACY EFFORTS RECONGIZED
Audrey and Duncan McKinnon of Newmarket were awarded the Brett Yerex Exceptional Advocacy Award by the ALS Society of Canada at its annual meeting in Toronto.
Audrey and Duncan McKinnon have, individually and as a couple, shared their experiences and trials of living with ALS, sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s disease, in order to help shape public policy that affects many Canadians, not just those with ALS.
They have repeatedly opened their home to journalists, photographers and TV crews to film Duncan, who lives with ALS, in his lift or showing the challenges of accomplishing simple routine tasks. Audrey is always willing to do anything to help other people or to advocate on behalf of those affected by ALS.
Indeed her eloquent and heart-felt presentation to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance helped to bring about the first federal Compassionate Leave and Income Security program. We are grateful to these advocates who have utilized their own situation and their own pain and exhaustion to energize and motivate others to action. We offer our thanks by awarding you the first Brett Yerex Exceptional Advocacy Award.
The Brett Yerex Exceptional Advocacy Award recognizes an exceptional advocacy initiative that seeks to improve the quality of life of a person or persons with ALS during 2003. In January of this year the ALS Society of Canada named this award to honour the work and commitment of Brett Yerex who died on January 9th of this year.
The Yerex family was in attendance at the awards dinner and Krys Yerex, Brett’s widow presented the award.
MARY POLLOCK WALK TO D’FEET ALS AWARD
DAN MALONEY HONOURED FOR CONTRIBUTION TO THE WALK TO D’FEET ALS
Dan Maloney of Victoria has been awarded the MARY POLLOCK WALK TO D’FEET ALS Award by the ALS Society of Canada at its recent annual meeting held in Toronto.
Mr Maloney accepted the award through a video-taped acceptance speech.
Mr Maloney was diagnosed with ALS, sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s disease in 1999. Dan joined the Victoria Chapter, ALS Society of BC and became the Chapter's Vice President. When Dan moved to Salmo, BC he joined the west Kootenay's ALS support group.
Dan was integral in bringing BC their first Walk to D'Feet ALS. In 2002 he became the Family Team Chair of the West Kootenay Walk to D'Feet ALS. Dan's leadership as Team Chair along with the efforts of the rest of the Walk Committee resulted on over $45,000 being raised. Dan was the top fundraiser of this walk, with his team raising approximately $10,000.
Dan returned to Victoria in late 2002. He strongly encouraged the Victoria Chapter to hold a Walk to D'Feet ALS by sharing his positive experience of the West Kootenay Walk. Through his encouragement and with his willingness to be the Family Team Chair, a Victoria Walk Committee was struck. Dan has worked hard to recruit family teams as well as get his own team up and running. Dan was integral in garnering support from local businesses especially his old employer, Island Farms Dairy. Again Dan's amazing spirit, energy and commitment made an enormous contribution to Victoria's biggest single fundraiser in 2003. The Victoria Walk to D'Feet raised over $47,000. Dan was once again the top fundraiser, with his team raising an incredible $20,000. Dan's results speak for themselves. Dan's enthusiasm and commitment to making each walk he is involved in the "best ever" is contagious. This man is a wonderful example of how a person with ALS can make a significant difference in the lives of others and have a legacy that will continue far beyond his own personal involvement.
The Mary Pollock Walk to D'Feet ALS Award is given annually through the generous support of the Pollock Family and honours Mary Pollock who died of ALS in 2000. The award recognizes outstanding Walk to D'Feet ALS Volunteers celebrating outstanding contributions and achievement in developing a/the Walk to its fullest potential.
WILLIAM FRASER LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AWARD
GILLES LEBLANC RECOGNIZED FOR LEADERSHIP IN THE ALS SOCIETY
Gilles LeBlanc of Moncton has been honoured by the ALS Society of Canada for his leadership with the ALS Society of New Brunswick. Mr LeBlanc was awarded the William Fraser Leadership Development Award at the society’s recent annual meeting held in Toronto.
Mr LeBlanc was diagnosed with ALS, sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s disease, six years ago at age 36. In recent months he has developed the innovative program SUPPORT FOR CHAMPIONS – The ALS fund for Kids to promote and support the healthy development of children with a parent who has ALS. The fund will support for after-school activities and funds to provide basic necessities.
Mr LeBlanc is also the President of the ALS Society of New Brunswick.
William Fraser Leadership Development Award given annually in recognition of outstanding leadership development. The award honours William Fraser, a Past President of the ALS Society of Canada who died in 2000. Bill valued leadership and organizational development highly, and exemplified both in his contributions to our organization.
BETTY’S RUN FOR ALS WINS EXCEPTIONAL FUNDRAISING AWARD
Calgary’s Betty Run for ALS was awarded the ALS Society of Canada Exceptional Fundraising Award at its annual meeting in Toronto.
Kelly Eaton, daughter of Betty Norman and Jane Rivest, of the ALS Society of Alberta accepted the award on behalf of the Run Committee.
In August 1996, Betty Norman, a vivacious, fun-loving, and very caring lady was diagnosed with ALS, sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s disease. Betty, her family and friends were frustrated by the lack of awareness about ALS and the small amount of research being funded at that time. In June 1997, just 2 short weeks before Betty passed away, the first walk/run in Betty's honour was held in Calgary to raise money for ALS and to help increase awareness.
By June 2003, Betty's Run for ALS achieved an extraordinary milestone by raising more than $1,000,000 in its seven year history! To date half of the net proceeds of this event have been forwarded to the ALS Society of Canada research fund. The remaining funds have stayed in Alberta to help provide appropriate equipment and support for people living with ALS now.
Betty's Run for ALS has also been the leading force behind two sets of the public service announcements for ALS, thanks in great part to the participation of award-winning Canadian actress Wendy Crewson in 1999 and 2003.
What drives them to do this year after year? Each and every member of the committee has a friend or family member with ALS. They all continue to strive to help the ALS Society of Alberta "make every day the best possible day for people with ALS."
For both their dedication and the results achieved earn the Betty's Run for ALS Committee the Exceptional Fundraising Program Award which recognizes an individual or project team who has demonstrated excellence in fundraising.
GEORGE GOODWIN RECOGNIZED FOR RAISING ALS PUBLIC AWARENESS
George Goodwin of Hamilton Ontario, has been awarded the ALS Society of Canada Exceptional Public Awareness award at its annual meeting.
Mr Goodwin, who lives with ALS, sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s disease, has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of this devastating disease. He brought the powerful March of Faces program to Canada, and has since then managed and marketing the project nation wide. He has pursued this task with considerable diligence and perseverance - woe to anyone who ignores his e-mails - to the point where almost every province in Canada has at least one March of Faces banner and many have several. These banners have proven to be an extremely effective awareness tool when displayed at fundraisers and other events and have earned him the ALS Society of Canada Exceptional Public Awareness Program Award.
http://www.als.ca/march-of-faces/
JOYCE SINCLAIR HONOURED BY THE ALS SOCIETY OF CANADA
Joyce Sinclair, long time ALS Society volunteer has been recognized for her support and service by being made an Honorary Life Member of the ALS Society of Canada.
Mrs Sinclair has been actively involved with the ALS Society of Manitoba for over 20 years. Her dedication and commitment to the society has been outstanding. She is a willing participant in all activities, and has shown great leadership. She has represented the ALS Society of Manitoba on the ALS Society of Canada Board for the last 3 years.
“Joyce has engaged the Manitoba board in learning more about the benefits of partnership between the organizations. No task has been too big for Joyce. She has helped with the Walk to D'Feet, Support Groups, Board activities, fundraising in general and has been a great proponent for Public Awareness” says nominator, Diana Rasmussen, Executive Director of the ALS Society of Manitoba.
Honorary Life Members are named in recognition of an extraordinary volunteer contribution to the ALS Society of Canada.
Mrs Sinclair will be honoured by the ALS Society of Manitoba for this award at their Winnipeg kick-off for the Walk to D'Feet ALS on June 10.
MARIE SALAMOUN-DUNNE HONOURED BY THE ALS SOCIETY OF CANADA
Marie Salamoun-Dunne, long time ALS Society volunteer has been recognized for her support and service by being made an Honorary Life Member of the ALS Society of Canada.
In 1989, Marie Salamoun-Dunne began her volunteer career with the ALS Society of PEI. Over the past 15 years she has become a highly recognized ALS voice and an active ALS advocate in Prince Edward Island and beyond.
Her primary contribution had been dedicated service to individuals diagnosed and living with ALS and their families in teaching, supporting and advocating in any way she can. In recent years she has readily responded to many and varied requests to present the personal side of living with ALS. The groups vary considerably from student nurses at UPEI, St FX, residents Care Workers at Holland College, to professionals in the community and volunteers who require training to work with families and people with ALS.
Mrs Salamoun-Dunne has also made numerous presentations on bereavement and palliative care to professional organizations.
Honorary Life Members are named in recognition of an extraordinary volunteer contribution to the ALS Society of Canada. Up to three may be named in any given year.
| Posted On: Saturday, May 01, 2004 Modified: Tuesday, June 08, 2004 Category: Volunteer Posted By: |


