#VIA2015
#VIA2015
TEN YEARS OF CELEBRATING
OUR COMMUNITY’S VOLUNTEERS
TENTH ANNUAL
VOLUNTEER
IMPACT AWARDS
Gala Dinner
Victoria Park Pavilion
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
#VIA2015
EVENT SPONSOR: LIBRO
@vackw
THANKS TO ALL OUR SPONSORS
Event Sponsor
Table Sponsors
Contributors
Dutch Mill Flower Shop
Emilly Grayce Photography
Stephen Beaumont Photography
Stephen Schooley, Musician
Tomkar Trophies & Awards
Beer Sponsor
#VIA2015
@vackw
THANKS TO ALL OUR SPONSORS
WELCOME
Media Sponsors
Welcome to the 10th Annual
Volunteer Impact Awards Gala!
Tonight is the tenth year of the Volunteer Impact Awards gala and
another great night to honour the contributions of 10 individuals
and two groups of volunteers from the Waterloo Region.
Over the past decade, Waterloo Region community members have
nominated hundreds of individuals, businesses and organizations to
celebrate the impact of their volunteer efforts - over 85 of these
nominees have received awards and our gratitude. Every year, we
stand in awe in what so many give freely to our Region.
A panel of community members face the difficult task of choosing
the recipients of these Volunteer Impact Awards. We would like to
thank all those who took the time to nominate these outstanding
individuals, businesses and organizations.
Volunteer Action Centre Supporters
All the nominees, past and present, and
the countless individuals and groups in
our community embody the true spirit of
volunteerism: they commit their time and
talents as a social responsibility for the
benefit of other people in the community
rather than for any financial reward.
I would like to express our heartfelt
appreciation to our generous sponsors
and contributors this evening. Please
enjoy this night of celebration!
Jane Hennig,
Executive Director
#VIA2015
@vackw
MENU
First Course
Strawberry & Toasted Caramel Pecan Salad
On Heritage Mixed Baby Greens
with Red Wine Vinaigrette Dressing
Main Course
Applewood Smoked Cheddar & Spinach
Stuffed Breast of Chicken
White Wine Cream Sauce
Spring Risotto with Ramps & Asparagus
Braised Spring Onions & Fennel
or
Eggplant, Tomato & Smoked Mozzarella Tart
Spring Risotto with Ramps & Asparagus
Braised Spring Onions & Fennel
Dessert
Apple Tarte Tatin
With Crème Fraiche
Tea and Coffee Station
PARTNERSHIPS
#VIA2015
@vackw
10 YEARS OF AWARD RECIPIENTS
2006
2006
2006
2006
2006
2006
2006
Ted Scharf
Terry & George MacNeil
Terry Wichman
Festival of Neighbourhoods
Samira Dali Kabob
Sherry Erb
Mary Bales
2007
2007
2007
2007
2007
2007
2007
Frank Cowan
Flora Cross
Tim Jackson
Laurier CSL
Hye-Shil & Young Sohn
Bonnie Caza
Susan Bowey
2008
2008
2008
2008
2008
2008
2008
2009
2009
2009
2009
2009
2009
2009
2010
2010
2010
2010
2010
2010
2011
2011
2011
2011
2011
2011
2011
Home Hardware Ltd.
Mary Stevens
Greg Murdoch
Roy Weber
Valerie McIntyre
Tracy Glidden
Steve Sanderson
2012
2012
2012
2012
2012
2012
Manulife Financial
Randy Stewart Rollo
Pat Carty
Matthew Day
Annie Crump
KPMG LLP
2013
2013
2013
Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Realty
2013
Jason Gingerich
2013
Gord Beckenhauer
2013
The Food Bank of WR
2013
Tatyana Segel
2013
Janice Merli
2013
Robert Astley
2013
2013
Adam Burke
2013
Clem Kucera
Krystal Benesch
2014
Mark Jantzi
2014
Fanny Villarte-Croce
2014
Leslie Bamford
2014
Manulife Financial
2014
KPMG LLP
Narine Dat Sookram
Barbara Arthur
Laura Gorman
Ann Roberts
Jane Black
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
Alicia Mizzi
Lisa Doran
Kitchener Public Library
Spring Promenade Fashion
ARTA Romanian Association
Donna Robertson
David Ogram
Waterloo Potters' Workshop
Peter Gray
Merv Redman
Ken Wideman
Debb Ritchie
Kiran Veluvolu
Rebecca Pister & Jennifer Durst
WAYVE Regional Team, CHMA
MTE Consultants Inc.
Tracey Johnston-Aldworth &
Randy Warren
Compass Kitchener
Doreen Fibke
Ian Lang
Joe Paiva
Rita Ross
Deborah Young
The May Court Club
Reva Cooper
TENTH ANNUAL
VOLUNTEER IMPACT AWARDS
Hosted by Susan Cook-Scheerer
Rogers TV - ‘daytime’
5:30 pm
Cocktails and Silent Auction
Music by Stephen Schooley
6:15 pm
Recipients - Group Photo
6:30 pm
Salad Course - Gusto Catering
6:45 pm
Opening Remarks:
Martin Kihle, Libro Financial Group
8:00 pm
Guest Speaker: Ted Scharf
Award of Merit—John Thompson
Awards Presentations
9:15 pm
Closing Remarks:
Alison Boyd, Chair, Board of Directors,
Volunteer Action Centre
Silent Auction Closes
#VACGala2015
#VACGala2015
#VIA2015
CONGRATULATIONS TO
ALL AWARD RECIPIENTS!
The Award of Merit
John Thompson
Youth Involvement Awards
Kailey Ellingwood - Outstanding Youth
Marla Pender - Adult Ally
Group Engagement Awards
Union Gas Ltd. - Large Group Engagement
King Tree Service - Small Group Engagement
Building a community where everyone is
inspired and equipped to make a difference
GET INVOLVED
Hands On Awards
Moraig Waite - Administrative Action
Bea Borsato - Caring Action
Lisa Lewis - Caring Action
Shirley Lichti - Special Event
Leadership Awards
Trent Bauman - Outstanding Leadership
Lorri Holmes - Volunteer Manager
Volunteer Impact Award
Ross Woolner
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
VOLUNTEERKW.CA
@vackw
THE AWARD OF MERIT
The ChangeTheWorld - Ontario Youth Volunteer Challenge is a six week
campaign with one goal: to get high school teens to volunteer in their
community. Bonus: By participating, youth also receive community
involvement hours they need to graduate, as well as a certificate of recognition.
From April 12 to May 24, our volunteer centre will work with the community to
encourage, promote and recruit youth volunteerism in the Waterloo Region!
AMBUSH THE ARTS - Friday, May 8th
Express yourself through an open mic style performance. You can also enjoy free pizza
and popcorn, create art, check out youth art work on display and visit interactive
displays. Reserve your spot as a performer by e-mailing [email protected] before May
6, and visit www.kitchener.ca/youthweek for more information .
CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - April 9 to 12 & April 25
Volunteering just a few hours of your time selling daffodil pins in support of the Canadian
Cancer Society’s Daffodil Month campaign, can save lives and help people who are living
with cancer now. Volunteers sign up for shifts at local stores. Visit
www.waterloo.myccsschedule.ca or contact Nicole at [email protected]
EPYC EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOPS - May 9 & May 23
Participate in these free and engaging workshops hosted by Empowering Proactive Youth
and Communities (EPYC). The workshops are designed to strengthen your leadership
skills and equip you with the knowledge and tools to make social change! Earn volunteer
hours. Visit www.epycinitiatives.com or email Lily at [email protected]
Want to receive weekly VAC updates?
Join our mailing list!
To acknowledge a person, group or organization that has had a
broad impact on volunteerism.
John Thompson - Award of Merit
"Our community has gained advantage because of
John’s personal awareness of the value of investing
time, skills and resources in volunteerism."
-Jane Hennig, Volunteer Action Centre
For more than 45 years, John Thompson has
been sharing his passion, enthusiasm and
exceptional leadership with the Waterloo Region
through a countless list of efforts and initiatives.
John retired from his role as Chief Executive
Officer for the United Way of KitchenerWaterloo & Area in 2005 after a short 30 years.
Before, during and since this time, he has helped
sustain more than 20 sports-related teams,
programs, and events and raised funds for
numerous causes and charities. John has been involved with the Rotary Club
of KW since 2010, as a president, vice president and a member-at-large. He
has been the founding chair of several boards, golf and hockey tournaments
and programs as well as managing or coaching various softball, baseball, and
hockey teams over the past 40 years. For more than a decade now, John has
hosted and provided transportation for international travel groups visiting
Canada. He is also the author of two books- Hockey Night in Mildmay and
Z-MAN Darren Zack. When he isn’t volunteering his time, he enjoys
travelling, live theatre, golf, and spending time at his cottage. John has a
remarkable ability to motivate and mobilize other volunteers and is fiercely
community-minded. His years of commitment are sincerely appreciated by
individuals and organizations throughout the region.
#VIA2015
YOUTH INVOLVEMENT AWARDS
To recognize students, teachers, schools, and adults who have
made a significant contribution to positive youth engagement.
Kailey Ellingwood - Outstanding Youth
“Kailey is able to touch lives and does
so with compassion and grace. For
most young people, this would be
going above and beyond engaging in
volunteerism, but for Kailey this is
just the beginning.”
– Rebecca Pister,
Canadian Mental Health Association
Kailey Ellingwood is a mature and
confident young woman who is
inspiring others to join her in
challenging the stigma surrounding
mental illnesses. She volunteers her
time with the Canadian Mental Health
Association to develop and deliver interactive presentations to schools in
the area, and shares her own personal experience with depression and
recovery. Kailey has recently started speaking to high schools through the
Beautiful Minds program, and is always willing to take on speaking
engagements outside of her existing commitments. She is described as a
poised and eloquent speaker and is praised for her ability to discuss such
challenging topics with insight and sensitivity far beyond her age.
@vackw
SILENT AUCTION
Food & Drink
Value: $75.00
Gift basket including: Grand magazine, 4
tickets to Waterloo Region food & drink
show, bottle of red wine & decanter
Donated by: Waterloo Region Record
Wine & Dine
Value: $75.00
$25 M&M gift card, wine bag with opener,
bottled wine
Donated by: James Petrozzi
Foodies Delight
Value: $70.00
Basket of homemade preserves (Tomato
Basil sauce, red pepper jelly, peach
chutney, blueberry balsamic), t-shirt and
$50 gift card for Little Mushroom
Donated by: Stephanie Tanner
Stay Connected
Value: $500.00
Blackberry Z30, mobile screen cleaners,
flashlight, highlighters and pen
Donated by: Becky Reid
Hockey, eh?
Value: priceless
Kitchener Rangers package, signed jersey,
2 gray toques and a bottle opener
Donated by: Kitchener Rangers
Happy Hour
Value: $75.00
4 martini glasses, King Crab Oyster Bar,
King Street Trio $50 gift card
Donated by: King Crab Oyster Bar & Grill
& King Street Trio
Family Fun
Value: $130.00
4 Bingemans Big Splash passes and a
board game
Donated by: Alison Rath
Get On Board
Value: $280.00
$250 VIA Rail travel voucher and Leejay
Levene framed Windmill print
Donated by: VIA Rail
Winter Wonderland Art
Value: $120.00
Encaustic Art—Wintery Tree
Donated by: Barbara Stefaniak
Gourmet Food With Friends
Value: $600.00
4-course gourmet dinner for 6 and a wine/
vinegar bistro set
Donated by: Gusto Catering
The Fast And Furious
Value: $60.00
Tire caps, 2 shamis, VW iPhone case, 3
movie passes for Cineplex
Bottoms Up!
Hand crafted colonial-style butterfly
trestle table (Walnut), 4 martini
glasses and a bar set
Donated by: Joseph Huxley
Decorating Diva
Value: $150.00
Hand crafted colonial-style table
(Walnut) and antique china vase
Donated by: Joseph Huxley
Art In The Garden
Value: $120.00
Encaustic Art– Sunset Flowers
Donated by: Barbara Stefaniak
#VIA2015
@vackw
SILENT AUCTION
Tee Time at Merry-Hill Golf Club
Value: $250.00
Golf bag, hat, passes, long-sleeved shirt,
lanyard balls, tees, and gloves
Grand Slam
Value: $150.00
Blue Jays tickets, hat, bat, travel tag,
luggage tags, collection pin, banner
Donated by: Alison Boyd
Namaste
Value: $150.00
1-month unlimited yoga at Moksha, mat,
towel, water bottle
Donated by: Emily Buck
Date Night
Value: $160.00
2 Drayton tickets, Smithsonian Institute
gemstone and faux pearl necklace with
faceted crystal, striated agate & porcelain
with handmade silver clasp
Donated by: Drayton Entertainment &
Leslie Bamford
Walk In The Park
Value: $125.00
$25 M&M gift card, 2 pairs of flip flops,
picnic set in a backpack, wine bottle
Donated by: Alison Boyd & James Petrozzi
Mind, Body & Soul
Value: $150.00
Timothy’s collection of tea, candles,
candle holder, votive holder, 6 class yoga
pass at mind/matter and motion
Donated by: Alison Boyd & Nicole Punny
Boys Will Be Boys
Value: $100.00
4 Laser Quest passes, Leejay Levene car
framed art, t-shirt
Donated by: Ron & Shirley Levene
Night Out On The Town
Value: $160.00
KW Symphony tickets and a silver & onyx
artisan-made necklace
Donated by: KW Symphony &
Leslie Bamford
Arts & Culture
Value: $120.00
2 general admission passes to
THEMUSEUM and an artisan-made Abalone shell necklace with silver findings
Donated by: Jennifer Knight
& Leslie Bamford
French Fashion
Value: $150.00
$100 Winners gift card and framed picture of Marseille, France from
Chateau d’If
Donated by: Jim Brush & Sue Morgan
Map Madness
Value: $50
Typographic map of Kitchener
Donated by: Louise Jessop
Paint by Munzy
Value: $250.00
Fuji original oil canvas 14X11 painting
Donated by: Munzy
His & Hers
Value: $50.00
Honda ceramic travel mug, shirt, pens,
$25 Fairview gift card
Donated by: Alison Boyd & Scott Baird
Tea Time
Value: $120
Tea package
Donated by: Steeped Tea
YOUTH INVOLVEMENT AWARDS
To recognize students, teachers, schools, and adults who have
made a significant contribution to positive youth engagement.
Marla Pender - Adult Ally
“Building a community in which youth
in all their diversity are active and
influential members; a community
where youth feel safe, supported in
their development, valued and
connected; is not just our corporate
vision for Marla- she lives this.”
–Janice Ouellette,
City of Kitchener
Marla Pender consistently goes above
and beyond in her position as Youth
Coordinator for the City of Kitchener, a
role she has held since 2006. She strives
to find innovative ways to engage young
people in the community and to ensure they feel that they belong and
can make a meaningful difference in the world. Marla displays a significant
level of expertise in fostering partnerships between adults and youth and
develops strong connections with the students she works with. Through
her work with the Youth Forum partnership and Kitchener Youth
Action Council, Marla constantly encourages and supports young leaders
to shares their stories and inspire others to engage in their community.
#VIA2015
@vackw
GROUP INVOLVEMENT AWARDS
To recognize teams or groups that through their volunteer
efforts, demonstrate a valuable investment in community.
Union Gas Ltd. - Large Group
“They are “roll-up-your-sleeves”
corporate members of our community
and always cheerfully participate in
initiatives when contacted.”
–Anne Lavender,
Leadership Waterloo Region
Union Gas Ltd. employees have been
faithful supporters of several organizations in the community for more
than a decade. From sponsoring events and making financial donations, to
sending several staff members to volunteer their time; they have become
exceptional examples of corporate citizenship. They support many
charities; including the Children’s Safety Village, Skills Canada, Leadership
Waterloo Region, the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, Lutherwood,
Hospice of Waterloo Region and the KW Humane Society to mention a
few. Union Gas’s corporate culture of “working together to give back”
has benefited and inspired many in the community.
King Tree Service - Small Group Engagement
“Their invaluable community contributions will continue to make a
difference in the lives of people in our region for many years to come.”
–rare Charitable Research Reserve
King Tree Service is a small, local family
business whose unwavering commitment for
the past 10 years has made a huge difference
for rare Charitable Research Reserve. Owners
Thomas and Beth Amorin give countless hours
to support various restoration initiatives and
tree maintenance help, King Tree Service has
made it possible for rare to ensure visitor
safety and has saved them thousands of dollars over the years. Even during
peak business season and right after a major storm event, King Tree will
not hesitate to volunteer their expertise, time and equipment to help as
quickly as possible, even if it has to be done after hours or on weekends.
Their donations of mulch have benefited local community gardens and have
allowed for 1,000 trees to be planted in 2014 alone.
VOLUNTEER IMPACT AWARD
To acknowledge an extraordinary contribution out of all the
finalists. This person or group will have created a lasting impression on our
community through their passion, inspiration and commitment.
Ross Woolner - Volunteer Impact Award
“Since 2008, Ross has provided 1,500 rides,
has travelled more than 6,720 km, and has
volunteered a staggering 2,640 hours.”
–Dale Howatt,
Community Support Connections
Meals on Wheels and More
For more than 20 years, Ross Woolner has
been providing transportation through
Community Support Connections-Meals on
Wheels and More for seniors and adults with
disabilities to and from medical appointments,
day programs, and grocery shopping using his
own vehicle. Ross also provides home and yard maintenance and snow
removal support. He strives to provide an enjoyable experience for every
person by showing up on time, greeting them at the door, providing an
arm for support, and helping to put away groceries. He is known to be
extremely patient, trustworthy, respectful and genuinely interested in
getting to know his clients. Ross’ selfless contributions to the community
are both appreciated and inspiring.
#VIA2015
@vackw
LEADERSHIP AWARDS
HANDS ON AWARDS
To recognize a board member and a volunteer manager who
exemplifies inspirational leadership and initiative.
To recognize a volunteer who contributes significantly to
improving the quality of life for others through hands-on work.
Trent Bauman - Outstanding Leadership
“Trent is a passionate community builder who
wants a community where all can belong and
thrive”
–John Neufeld,
House of Friendship
Trent Bauman has been involved with House of
Friendship for more than 26 years, served as a
Board member for 22 years and has been leading
with passion and integrity for the past four years
as Board President. Trent consistently goes above
and beyond the typical duties of his role. Trent’s
thoughtful leadership, hands-on commitment, and ability to make
challenging decisions greatly benefited the House of Friendship. The
charity’s annual fundraising has grown more than 30% due to his
leadership. He was also instrumental in the construction of the new
women’s addiction centre, growing the Trek4Kids fundraiser, and the
Under One Roof Campaign surpassing its goal of $2 million.
Lorri Holmes - Volunteer Manager
“[Lorri’s] first concern is to always make sure
the volunteers are supported and her
management style reflects that.”
–Craig Hutchison,
Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre
Lorri Holmes strives to ensure all 250 volunteers
of the Kitchener Downtown Community Health
Centre who contribute 17,000 hours feel valued
and respected. Lorri has introduced the centre to
the value of expanded roles for volunteers and in
the past six years, she has built on the volunteer
services resulting in a positive impact on almost every area of the centre.
Lorri loves to find ways to utilize an individual’s life experiences to create the
best experience for all. As Lorri puts it, “it’s not about the hours, it about the
incredible added value and vibrancy volunteers bring to the centre.”
Moraig Waite - Administrative Action
“Moraig takes direction easily, shows
initiative when she sees an area of
need, is an inspiration to all that meet
her, and always has a smile.”
–JoAnn Barber,
Lisaard House
For the past four years, Moraig Waite
has welcomed everyone to Lisaard
House with warmth, compassion and a
genuine smile. She is described as a “ray
of sunshine” and praised for her humility,
generosity, and reliability. Moraig is quick
to devote her time and efforts to train
new reception volunteers, help with data
entries for the monthly reports, and take
additional training to learn how to better interact with Lisaard House
residents’ families and visitors. With her creativity and talent for sewing,
Moraig has generously donated hand-made items for raffle fundraisers
and gifts for children visiting loved ones in the home.
#VIA2015
@vackw
HANDS ON AWARDS
HANDS ON AWARDS
To recognize a volunteer who contributes significantly to
improving the quality of life for others through hands-on work.
To recognize a volunteer who contributes significantly to
improving the quality of life for others through hands-on work.
Bea Borsato - Caring Action
“[Bea] has become a best friend, a listening
ear, a member of [the women’s] family and
plays a key role in helping them develop into
strong, independent women.”
–Brenda Van Houtven,
Parents for Community Living
Bea Borsato has invested countless hours of her
time and energy into her volunteering with
Parents for Community Living over the past five
years – an organization that supports
developmentally challenged adults and their
families. Working with the five women who reside at the Casey House,
Bea has become more than a reliable volunteer- she has become a best
friend as many clients described her. She is constantly encouraging the
women through emails, phone calls, and conversations. Bea is appreciated
for her positive and genuine personality and is an inspiration to all those
who she interacts with.
Lisa Lewis - Caring Action
“Lisa’s positive welcoming demeanor provides a
great start to the day for the students of Lincoln
Heights.”
–Debbie Moxam,
Nutrition for Learning
Lisa Lewis works tirelessly to ensure the students
of Lincoln Heights Public School are well-nourished
and in a positive frame of mind to learn. Lisa has
been volunteering with the breakfast program for
the past 10 years. From planning the menu and
shopping for food and supplies, to fundraising and
bookkeeping, she is dedicated to ensuring the menu
is nutritious yet remains within financial restraints. Lisa strives to make
sure that the program is welcoming to all students. She is also determined
to ensure the volunteers she works with feel appreciated and she creates
a fun volunteering environment.
Shirley Lichti - Special Event
“In my 10+ years of volunteer
management, I have never been more
inspired by the impact that a volunteer
can make.”
–Heidi Wheeler,
Sexual Assault Support Centre of
Waterloo Region
More than 25 years ago, Shirley Lichti
began volunteering at the Sexual Assault
Support Centre (SASC) by supporting
survivors on a 24hr crisis line. Since then,
she has joined the Public Education
program, the SASC Board of Directors, and
has generously provided her expertise in
marketing, public relations, and event
planning. Shirley has independently raised significant amounts of money for
the organization through special events, and has also contributed personal
investments and inspired others to do the same. She has played a
significant role in the Sexual Assault Awareness Month event for more
than 10 years. Shirley’s gracious and ambitious personality has inspired
SASC staff, volunteers, clients and the community.