5th Annual Volunteer Impact Awards
June 10, 2010 at the City of Kitchener Rotunda.
The 5th Annual Volunteer Impact Awards GALA took place on Thursday, June 10th with seamless ease, thanks to excellent planning and execution of staff and volunteers. This event, which was created to celebrate extraordinary volunteers in Waterloo Region accomplished just that! When we take time to highlight the efforts of others and celebrate the spirit of humanity, we affirm and inspire everyone around us!
City hall, Rotunda provided a tremendous atmosphere and the food prepared and presented by Gusto Catering, ensured that all our guests enjoyed an evening like this “in style” together.
All 40 nominations received for the five categories were heart warming and genuine. The spirit of giving is alive and well in our region. Thanks to those of you who found time to send us nomination submissions!
The combination of good food, great people, lovely music and delightful presentation style from our masters of ceremonies, Susan Cook-Scheerer and Ron VanderZwaag of Roger’s TV, Cable 20, made our event a great success.
Volunteer Action Centre is pleased to present the
2010 Volunteer Impact Awards Finalists and Recipients
To view photos of this event, please click here.
Business Community Partner
Presented by the United Way of Kitchener Waterloo and Area
KPMG LLP * The Rogers Radio Group * Royal LePage Scharf Realty
RECIPIENT - KPMG LLP – For the past 15 years, KPMG LLP has supported several organizations and encouraged corporate volunteerism through their annual KPMG Volunteers event. Their leadership team targets key issues facing the community as identified by the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation Vital Signs report. United Way Campaigns, KidsAbility, House of Friendship, HopeSpring, Habitat for Humanity and “Habitat for Gerard” are just a few of the long list of organizations that have come to benefit from the support provided by KPMG over the years.
Helping Hands
Sponsorship opportunity available
Doug Smith * Narine Dat Sookram * Val & Frieda Hennig
RECIPIENT – Narine Dat Sookram – For over 16 years Narine has helped newcomers to Canada by providing resume and cover letter tips, teaching interview and driving skills, and sharing not only his time but also contributing to the costs involved. His weekly show Caribbean Spice on 100.3 Sound FM, keeps his New Canadian audience informed about events happening in their community and beyond. Narine is an exceptional individual, demonstrating great leadership through his contributions to the community and willingness to help those who are not as fortunate.
Innovative Involvement
Presented by Research In Motion
Azra Premji * Dr. Idrisa Pandit * UW School of Pharmacy
RECIPIENT – UW School of Pharmacy – Since 2007, the UW School of Pharmacy’s Innovation Garden program has placed 120 first-year students with 21 service agencies each year. Whether the students have helped out with a vitamin drive, organized a joint health fair or mentored a grade nine student from Eastwood Collegiate, the students from the School of Pharmacy have conducted themselves in a professional, caring and enthusiastic way. The “harvest” of this Innovation Garden enriches the lives of both students and the community.
Outstanding Leadership
Presented by the Co-operators
Barbara Arthur * Jane Black * Paul Hendrikse
RECIPIENT - Barbara Arthur – Beyond her work with the Grand Philharmonic Choir and Community Support Connections, Meals and Wheels and More, in the last four years Barbara Arthur has been working tirelessly to help the Eating Disorders Awareness Coalition. She rebuilt the Board of Directors, reorganized the five-year business plan, spearheaded funding initiatives and solidified community partnerships. Her passion and hard work has allowed EDAC continue, inspiring a whole new network of supporters for those families who grapple with this disorder.
Volunteer Management
Presented by the Volunteer Action Centre
Ann Roberts * Christine Schindler * Lynn Schulze
RECIPIENT- Ann Roberts – Ann’s efforts, dedication and expertise have been felt across the Township of Woolwich. Her keen interest in the environment shows through her involvement with the Township Environmental Enhancement Committee, Clean Waterways, Canagagigue Creek Bank Rehabilitation project, and Girl Guides Yellow Fish project. She is fiercely protective of the volunteers. Ann combines her leadership skills with her giving nature to encourage and promote volunteers in the community.
Volunteer Impact Award
Presented by Libro Financial Group
The recipient of the Volunteer Impact Award is selected from all of the above finalists
RECIPIENT - Jane Black - Jane has provided leadership and guidance to the Board of Directors for Nutrition for Learning while their programs grew from 40 to over 103 in 2009. She has been the impetus for fundraising initiatives that have inspired contributions of over $100,000 annually, and also prompted the RBC Foundation‘s transformation into a Volunteer Sustainability and Development Partner that supports hundreds of volunteers. Jane has also given endless time and resources to Habitat for Humanity, The Weekend to End Breast Cancer, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and a variety of other organizations.
