June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Awards

September 28, 2022

Ontario is recognizing 20 volunteers and volunteer organizations with the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism for their contributions to their communities and to the province.

The outstanding volunteer award recipients are as follows:

Excellence in Volunteer Management Category – Group

Confederation of Chinese Alumni Associations – Mississauga

The Confederation of Chinese Alumni Associations (CCAA) is a not-for-profit federation of alumni associations of Chinese universities that promotes and cultivates the spirit, culture and systems of professionalism and volunteerism among alumni and their descendants.

Over the past three years, the CCAA’s devoted volunteers have made significant contributions in the fight against COVID-19. CCAA volunteers hosted more than 50 online events helping over 11,000 attendees navigate the overwhelming challenges related to the pandemic. Sessions included supports for people who lost their jobs, COVID-19 vaccine information, social justice, and healthy active stay-at-home lifestyles. CCAA worked hard to keep their community well informed, physically active, connected and supported during a time of great uncertainty.

The CCAA also expanded its volunteer capacity by engaging more than 80 high schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in over 1,000 hours of volunteer service to the community. It also provided leadership and skills training to help develop future community leaders.

Sending Sunshine – Mississauga

Four friends founded Sending Sunshine in 2020 to encourage, collect, and distribute uplifting handwritten cards from youth and community members to seniors in care facilities across Canada. Their mission is to help reduce the negative impacts of social isolation on senior citizens through the power of the written word and to promote the values of volunteerism amongst Canada’s youth.

Sending Sunshine and their outstanding volunteers have made a significant difference for seniors throughout the country while demonstrating creativity, empathy and dedication in their efforts to engage youth and improve the well-being of seniors.

Since 2020, Sending Sunshine has:

Partnered with 578 care facilities in nine provinces
Distributed over 100,900 cards to senior citizens around the world
Registered more than 10,000 high school students to write cards as part of their mandatory volunteer hours
Established 38 new chapters by students who are cultivating leadership skills while giving back to seniors in their community
Connected students and seniors in more than 150 long-term pen pal pairings to foster intergenerational friendships.

Women’s Auxiliary Volunteers of the Hospital for SickKids (WAV) – Toronto

The Women’s Auxiliary Volunteers of the Hospital for SickKids is made up of 230 members, dedicating over 44,000 hours of volunteer service to SickKids annually.

For more than 75 years, they have provided unwavering commitment to help the most critically ill children from around the world. Since 1993, it has raised more than $20 million dollars to fund patient care, scientific research, and capital growth projects and is recognized as one of hospital’s Grand Benefactors.

In 2002, WAV established the Bravery Bead Program where patients can collect a different bead for each procedure or event while receiving treatment at the hospital. Funds from this program allow each child to make a necklace with colorful beads that represent their unique and special journey at the hospital. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, volunteers focused on assembling thousands of COVID-19 test kits to be distributed to schools, shelters, and daycare centers.

Excellence in Volunteer Management Category – Individual

Francine Negre-Laroche – Scarborough

As the Director of Volunteer Services and Skills Development, Francine Negre-Laroche manages more than 500 volunteers at 12 Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations across the Greater Toronto Area. Largely run by volunteers, the ReStore accepts donated home-furnishings and appliances that are sorted and sold. All proceeds from these items go toward funding new home builds for low-income families.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Francine demonstrated innovative leadership. She skillfully shifted volunteer operations online and continued to recruit volunteers, and ensured they were engaged, informed and connected through online volunteer opportunities, training sessions, town halls and volunteer recognition events.

Francine goes above and beyond to ensure volunteers are recognized for their service. She collaborated with colleagues to send hand-written holiday and thank you cards to each volunteer. She calls volunteers to gather their thoughts concerns and uses their feedback to implement solutions to improve their experience.

Outstanding Volunteer Category – Group

Bite of Brant Program Volunteers – Brantford

In 1996, the Bite of Brant initiative was launched to teach youth and educators about food production, nutrition, farming and food safety.

This annual two-day initiative has been wildly successful due to the interactive, hands-on, outcome-based learning activities presented by local farmers and volunteers. The event has been attended by over 22,000 students and teachers in the Brantford, Brant County and Six Nations areas.

More than 125 volunteers – farmers, educators and agri-business representatives alike – plan, organize and present this popular program. In 2021, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers were faced with the daunting task of delivering this program online with just two weeks to plan. Volunteers stepped out of their comfort zones when they were asked to record short videos on their farms and answer questions in 45 virtual events.

For 26 years, dedicated Bite of Brant volunteers have brought agricultural awareness into local classrooms, helping students to make healthy and informed food choices.

Outstanding Volunteer Category – Individual

Brittany Cameron – Peterborough

Brittany Cameron is a trail blazer and a true force when it comes to advocating for people living with HIV/AIDS and women’s rights. Brittany’s volunteerism has modeled the way and inspired others to act towards a shared vision, while challenging traditional processes.

Brittany is a member of the Board of Directors at the 360 Nurse Practitioners Clinic in Peterborough, advocating for and helping to educate others in the ways of harm reduction and anti-stigma related practices. Her ongoing work with the Canadian Positive People’s Network, Canada’s only national network for and by people with HIV/AIDS, has contributed to the creation of new legislation and best practices for people living with HIV in Canada.

Brittany’s dedication to the Ontario Women with HIV/AIDS Initiative helps to ensure that women’s voices are heard about accessing vital health care and other services in Ontario.

Trèva Cousineau – Orleans

Trèva Cousineau is known for her volunteerism and commitment to advancing the French language and culture in Ontario.

For more than 50 years, she has defended and promoted Franco-Ontarians and the French language. While volunteering with many organizations, Trèva has brought people together and advocated on behalf of her community at all levels of government.

Her dedication contributed to the right to speak French at Timmins school board meetings in the early 1970s, the creation of 12 Ontario French-language school boards, and the installation of monuments to pay homage to the contribution of Franco-Ontarians.

At the age of 84, Trèva continues to advocate for French language equality. Her commitment and boundless energy have strengthened the francophone and broader community. She has made a significant impact in Ontario and has inspired others to follow in her footsteps.

Ted Cowan – Toronto

Ted Cowan’s community voluntarism stretches back more than 50 years. His contributions to Ontario’s natural environment leaves a legacy all people can enjoy for generations.

As a member of the Bay of Islands Community Association in the North Channel of Lake Huron, Ted has worked for decades to conserve the area’s landscape. He engaged neighbouring Indigenous communities and formed collaborative, mutually beneficial relationships with the shared goal of balancing growth and land preservation.

When development threatened Heaven’s Gate, 2,100 acres of pristine, historically prominent-land, Ted worked with Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy to mobilize volunteers to raise $1.7 million and purchase the property for conservation. In 2021, these efforts resulted in the permanent protection of the land between La Cloche Provincial Reserve and Killarney Provincial Park. Without Ted’s unwavering leadership, the natural state of the Heaven’s Gate sanctuary might never have been preserved.

Garry Dodman – London

Garry Dodman is a remarkable volunteer who has been devoted for over 35 years to making London an inclusive and accessible place to live.

For 20 of those years, Garry served on the board of directors for L’Arche London, a non-profit organization that supports people with intellectual disabilities. His leadership and expertise have been essential to the growth of the organization, helping to serve an increasing population in need. In 1997, L’Arche London opened their first community home for people with disabilities. By 2008, it opened two additional homes.

Garry also spearheaded a capital fundraising campaign that raised more than $2.5 million to build a new community hub and, in 2017, the Gathering Place opened its doors. Run by L’Arche London, it provides a safe environment for over 180 clients weekly to engage in community activities and provides opportunities for meaningful interaction.

Don D’Souza – Milton

Don D’Souza is an outstanding community leader dedicated and driven to building a brighter tomorrow by supporting those in his community. He has volunteered for more than 10 years with the Navy League of Canada, Milton Branch. Appointed the organization’s president in 2014, he has worked tirelessly to create positive change in his community.

In January 2020, Don co-founded the Navy League Cadet Corps ADVENTURE, a program for youth between the ages of 9 and 12 that promotes teamwork, good citizenship, leadership skills. Don helped raise over $50,000 through grants, donations, and sponsorships to create the Milton Cadet Centre, which offers a safe space for youth to come together and learn new skills. Through Don’s leadership and dedication, membership at the centre has more than doubled. The Milton Cadet Centre has become one of Ontario’s strongest and most engaged Navy League corps.

A tireless volunteer, Don also finds time to volunteer with the Halton Regional Police Service, the Milton Legion’s Poppy Drives, as well as to provide support to community celebrations, Meals on Wheels and Toys for Tots.

Louise Dupuis – Nipigon

Louise Dupuis is a dynamic Indigenous community leader.

As a volunteer project manger, Louise led the restoration of the Chalet Lodge on Lake Helen Reserve. She transformed the 22-acre property with a lodge and 14 cabins into an economic initiative for the Red Rock Indian Band to host conferences, weddings and other special events. The lodge plans to re-open its doors by 2023 and will be run by the people of the community, to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Louise and three other volunteers also worked collectively to establish the Nipigon Historical Museum, which collects, protects, and displays artifacts to showcase the history of Nipigon from before European contact in Canada to present day.

She is also a champion in the development of affordable senior housing and community events such as the Nipigon River Brook Trout Festival which attracts visitors and celebrates the spirit of the community.

Angie Giannone – Markham

Angie Giannone advocates, connects and helps provide care for people seeking mental health services. For more than 15 years, Angie has been a dedicated volunteer and client of the Canadian Mental Health Association of York Region and South Simcoe.

To help eradicate the stigmas associated surrounding mental health, Angie makes the Community Connections program at the Markham drop-in site a welcoming and inclusive space for clients and families. She creates a sense of belonging and shares her stories and experience with those who often feel isolated.

Her willingness and courage to continue as a volunteer, even when she herself struggled with mental health challenges, has served as an inspiration to many. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Angie has stepped outside her comfort zone by learning to use new technology to ensure the clients she works with could continue to get the support they needed.

Viola Harrison – Burlington

For more than 35 years, Viola (Vi) Harrison has demonstrated her unwavering commitment to the most vulnerable people in her community.

Vi has been a key volunteer with Good Shepherd in Hamilton, an organization that provides emergency food and clothing for those in need. Each day, the Good Shepherd food bank serves approximately 140 families. Vi arrives early to sort and stock goods and ensures essential items are always available. She stays late when needed and picks up extra shifts without hesitation.

Vi’s compassion helps her connect with a vulnerable population with stigmas attached to poverty and homelessness. She makes them feel valued and supported. During the pandemic, her commitment never wavered. Despite all the challenges, Vi rallied alongside staff to ensure families received food and necessities.

Loraine Haskins – Barry’s Bay

Loraine Haskins has made a lifelong commitment to serving, building, and protecting her community in Barry’s Bay.

In 2006, a category F-2 tornado devastated Combermere, a neighboring community, and severely damaged its forests. Loraine initiated the “Let’s Rebuild the Forest” project and with a year-long dedicated effort, she helped raise over $75,000 and resulted in the planting of 10,000 trees. Sixteen years later, the forest has been completely regenerated.

Loraine also spearheaded the preservation of two heritage sites in her community: the Barry’s Bay Railway Station and the Water Tower, which is the last remaining wooden water tower in Ontario. Both structures were scheduled for demolition, but Loraine persuaded the town to preserve and restore both sites, resulting in economic growth and increased tourism.

Loraine also worked with the town’s seniors committee to obtain provincial funding to build a new seniors center so community members could safely participate in social and recreational activities.

Loraine was a founding member of the “Mount Madawaska Ski Hill” and the “Kamaniskeg Area Property Owner’s Association” (KAPOA) and, with her family, initiated the association’s annual regatta which continues to this day.

Sadly, Loraine passed away earlier this year. Her legacy is visible throughout her community, as Barry’s Bay has been shaped and reinvigorated by Loraine’s incredible volunteer contributions.

Janice Hummel – Bracebridge

Janice Hummel has been a volunteer in her community for more than 45 years. No job is too big or too small, whether it is visiting isolated community members, delivering meals or working with young people.

Janice’s contributions to the Manna Food Bank and the Salvation Army demonstrate an awareness of, and commitment to, the most vulnerable in her community. At her local Legion, Janice supports both veterans and young people. Her mentorship work with the cadet program has provided youth in her community with an opportunity to build self-confidence, learn in a structured environment and receive support from positive role models.

Her compassion also makes her an asset to the Muskoka Victim Services which provides help to those in urgent and crisis situations.

David Chun Yu Lao – Stittsville

Since 2016, David Chun Yu Lao has worked hard to help university students and Canadian newcomers launch their Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) careers.

David has built and leveraged relationships and enhanced collaborations with career centers, professional representatives, and public service recruiters to help people find success as CPAs. David has shared his experience and inspired more than 150 high school students to pursue their dreams of becoming a CPA.

He also collaborated with other Board of Directors at Volunteer Ottawa to develop the Diversity and Leadership Ottawa (DLO) program, the only program of its kind that connects qualified candidates from under-represented groups with free governance training and provides opportunities to serve on Boards of Directors of not-for-profit organizations. The DLO program successfully increased diversity and enhanced governance in non-profits and charities across the city.

Dennis Lendrum – Espanola

Dennis envisioned making his community inclusive for everyone.

For many years, Dennis has been instrumental in organizing volunteers to help beautify and improve Black Creek Park, ensuring the area was barrier free for people with disabilities. In 2021, Dennis focused on expanding the Black Creek Sno-shoe Trail, resulting in the creation of 1.5 kilometers of accessible paths for people requiring mobility devices. The park is now a popular destination with frequent visitors.

Dennis is also an avid supporter of people living with autism. He founded the group Autism Acceptance, which has become a well-known online support platform for the autism community. It promotes outdoor excursions, programming and special community events.

Dennis has dedicated years of his life to helping others, positively affecting the lives of people living in Espanola and surrounding area.

David McMullen – Ancaster

David McMullen is a driven and dedicated volunteer who seeks out every opportunity to support others, with tremendous help from his wife Erika.

After both of his parents passed away from cancer, David started volunteering with cancer organizations. In 2012, David was diagnosed with Stage 3 myeloma, an incurable blood cancer, but his diagnosis did not stop him.

A gifted communicator with extensive knowledge and experience with myeloma, David, through Myeloma Canada, has helped establish various new support resources and initiatives that have significantly improved the quality of life for many patients. He has also been a valuable resource to many volunteer groups, committees, and cancer-based research organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Trials Group, the Canadian Myeloma Research Group, and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technology in Health.

Since 2013, David has been Co-chair of the Toronto & District Multiple Myeloma Support Group where he provides support and information to other patients as they navigate the health care system.

Gerard Ruimy – Etobicoke

Gerard Ruimy’s contributions have directly benefited thousands of people in Canada and around the world.

Gerard started volunteering with GlobalMedic in 2017, a charity that provides disaster relief and life-saving humanitarian aid to areas affected by disasters. He regularly leads volunteers in packing emergency food and health kits for families in countries such as Yemen, Syria, Bangladesh and Haiti.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gerard increased his volunteer commitment to five to six days a week to assist with GlobalMedic’s domestic response initiatives. He helped to prepare over 1.6 million pounds of food to foodbanks and food assistance programs. He also oversaw the assembly of 13,520 family emergency kits for 88 First Nation communities across Ontario.

Timothy Sproule – Scarborough

Dr. Timothy Sproule is committed to helping people both internationally and locally. He is the former Chief of Plastic Surgery at Scarborough Health Network and specializes in cleft lip and palate surgery, burn surgery, lasers and microsurgery.

For 35 years, Dr. Sproule has travelled to countries to share his expertise and to provide life-changing surgical procedures for people who would not otherwise have access to this type of medical care. Through his charity, the Canadian Reconstructive Surgery Foundation, he trains doctors, donates medical equipment and performs free reconstructive surgery to help people recover from birth abnormalities and trauma.

As a survivor of colorectal cancer, Dr. Sproule feels like he has been given a new lease on life and gives back by sharing his experience and educating other patients and caregivers on how to cope with the condition.