Cancer Society awards exceptional volunteers and donors
During National Volunteer Week, the Canadian Cancer Society’s annual volunteer and donor awards ceremony acknowledged exemplary members of the P.E.I. community. The event took place at the Lieutenant Governor’s House in Charlottetown.
Emma McDermott of Kensington received the Leaders of Tomorrow Award, which recognizes volunteers under the age of 30 who have served as leaders and role models to other young people within their schools and communities.
Besides sitting on numerous organizing committees with the Society, she has been an avid Relay For Lifer since 2008. “Her efforts have engaged other young people in the mission of the Society. Her kind and passionate work inspires those around her,” noted her award citation.
Award recipient, Dr. Larry Pan, received the Excellence in Medicine and Health Award for advancing the mission of the Society by reducing the burden of cancer in P.E.I. A radiation oncologist at the P.E.I. Cancer Treatment Centre, Pan is also co-chair of the P.E.I. Strategy for Cancer Control and the lead in the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer on tobacco cessation.
Islander, Sharon MacNeill received the national award – the Medal of Courage, awarded to a Society volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional courage in their personal battle with cancer and served as an inspiration to others. MacNeill developed a support group for those living with metastatic breast cancer, advocated at a national level for a Pharmacare program, explored the possibility of an Atlantic Regional Cancer Agency, and plays a role in the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. “The Society is made up of 150,000 volunteers across the country and about 700 staff members, noted Marlene Mulligan, executive director, Canadian Cancer Society P.E.I.
“That’s a ratio of about 220 volunteers to each staff person. This holds true in P.E.I. where we have six staff members and 1,200 volunteers.
So when we say the Society is a community-based organization of volunteers and that we could not do what we do without them, please know that is a fact.”
Other award recipients of the evening included: Rosaleen Mahoney of Summerside receiving the Della Rowledge Memorial Award, Olive Beairsto from Summerside who was presented with the Eileen Fulford Memorial Award, Cavendish Farms ‘Fryin for a Cure’ Relay team from Prince County with the Relay For Life Community Spirit Award, Lisa Jackson with the Outstanding Achievement in Fundraising Award, Cameron Beach with the Outstanding Donor Award, James Aylward with the Outstanding Service Award, Bruce Donaldson with the Community Champion Award, and Marjorie Matheson with a 10-year recognition pin.