Outstanding volunteers receive Canadian Red Cross awards

Fifteen awards presented at national Canadian Red Cross meeting

Banff, June 21, 2008 – There were 15 awards presented at last night’s awards ceremony as part of the 99th Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Red Cross, recognizing excellence in volunteer engagement, fundraising and more.

Prix d’excellence

From three strong nominees, the winner of this high award in the Canadian Red Cross went to Homeless Services and Community Initiatives in the Toronto Region. These include the Mobile Food Bank, Scarborough Drop-In and Street Relief.

“In meeting the needs of the most vulnerable, 145 volunteers contributed over 14,000 volunteer hours to Homeless Services and Community Initiatives in 2007 and 2008”, said Conrad Sauvé, Secretary General and CEO, Canadian Red Cross. “The success and accomplishments of Red Cross in delivering humanitarian aid to those who are vulnerable would not be possible without the ongoing support and efforts of our volunteers.”

A National Rescuer Award was presented to Gillyana Thomson, a young Calgarian who demonstrated some quick thinking. Gillyana was at a lake near Prince George, BC last summer when she heard her grandfather cry for help from the water. She grabbed her air mattress, dove into the water, and helped him to shore.

National Citations:

• Kristy Thirsk and Anthony Brace for their contribution of music to the promotion of Canadian Red Cross humanitarian work through the donation of her song “Out There”.
• Breanne Lawrenson and Braiden Turner – two talented young musicians who have chosen to work with the Canadian Red Cross RespectED program because they believe that prevention education is the key to helping stop bullying.
• Don Sherritt, Western Management Consultants. Mr. Sherritt is a successful management consultant who has been providing senior management training, on a voluntary basis, to the Canadian Red Cross for more than 20 years.
• Sheldon Kennedy and Wayne McNeil worked for many years to develop an on-line, interactive program called “Respect in Sport”. Under Sheldon and Wayne’s leadership, Respect in Sport partners with Red Cross to assist RespectED in reaching thousands of coaches and adult leaders to prevent abuse, harassment, bullying and hazing in sport and recreation environments.

For more information about the awards presented or the Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Red Cross, visit www.redcross.ca.

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For information or to arrange an interview:

Colleen Lavender, National Director, Public Affairs
Cell: 613-850-3759

Posted June 22, 2008