Cancer Society Champion Awards presented at Government House
Lt.-gov. Frank Fagan handed out Champion Awards to deserving recipients Thursday at Government House. The awards are as follows:
Community Champion Award
The Community Champion award recognizes excellence in fundraising by an independent or third-party group in a community that has provided outstanding leadership or financial support (or both) for the Canadian Cancer Society. As a result of this support they have significantly helped further the mission and goals of the Society.
Keith Bradbury/brenda Snow — Community Champion Award
Keith Bradbury and Brenda Snow are well known philanthropist and are long time supporters of the Canadian Cancer Society, particularly Daffodil Place. Over the last two years, Keith and Brenda have graciously hosted two events in their home. They invited their friends to a holiday meet and greet to raise money for Daffodil Place. These two events were a phenomenal success and were enjoyed by all . Through the generosity of Keith, Brenda and their friends $201,000 has been raised, which covers 2,010 nights at Daffodil Place. It is with great pleasure that we present Keith and Brenda with the Community Champion Award.
Corporate Champion Award
The Corporate Champion Award recognizes a corporation, business, employee group or association that has provided outstanding leadership and financial support for the Canadian Cancer Society. It has embraced the Society’s mission and has become a valued partner.
Scotiabank – Corporate Champion Award
On April 1, 2017 Scotiabank held the 15th annual Curl for Cancer event at the Remax Centre in St. John’s. Over the past 15 years this event has raised over $300,000 in support of local Canadian Cancer Society services and programs. Additionally, Scotiabank has supported our Relay For Life events throughout the province by matching funds raised by their employees. We are delighted to present Scotiabank with the Corporate Champion Award. Accepting the award on behalf of Scotiabank is Ken Birmingham, district vice-president, Gary Neil and Bren Follett, Curl For Cancer event organizers
Distinction in Volunteer Leadership Award
The Distinction in Volunteer Leadership Award is offered annually to a Canadian Cancer Society volunteer who is visionary, innovative and committed, and who mentors leadership in others. The nominee’s exceptional contributions and selfless leadership have significantly furthered the mission of the Society.
Allan Hawco — Distinction in Volunteer Leadership Award
Renowned Actor and St. John’s native, Allan Hawco graciously volunteered his time to lead a new campaign for Daffodil Place called “Take A One Night Stand Against Cancer.” As the face of the campaign, Allan has been instrumental to its success. As a thriving actor, producer and writer, Allan has a very busy schedule. How- ever, he always found time to promote the campaign and participate in related events and activities. The Take a One-Night Stand campaign raised $360,000 in 2016. It is with great pleasure that we present Allan with the Distinction in Volunteer Leadership Award.
Inspirational Achievement in Volunteer Youth Leadership Award
The Inspirational Achievement in Volunteer Youth Leadership Award is offered annually to a Canadian Cancer Society youth volunteer who has made a significant divisional contribution to the fight against cancer within the leadership domain.
Lauren Guiney — Inspirational Achievement in Volunteer Youth Leadership Award
Lauren Guiney, 17, attends Gonzaga High School. A couple of years ago she learned how much it costs for someone who lives in Labrador to travel to receive cancer treatments. She wanted to help and started a project called “Seal with Hope.” Lauren started her own charity and over the last two years sold tickets on a variety of sealskin products. Through this initiative, she has raised $24,000, which has provided flights for 50 cancer patients. It is with great pleasure that we present Lauren with the Inspirational Achievement in Volunteer Youth Leadership Award.
Medal of Courage National Award
The Medal of Courage is presented to a Canadian Cancer Society volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional courage in their personal battle with cancer or as a caregiver to someone who has had cancer; in doing so, the individual serves as an inspiration and role model to others.
Dawn Cheesman — National Medal of Courage
Dawn Cheesman is a longtime volunteer of the Canadian Cancer Society. She is an active member of the Daffodil Days committee, the Craft Ladies group, and a group that prepares hats and turbans for cancer patients. Dawn was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Her strength and perseverance has been inspirational. During a particularly difficult struggle with her treatments, Dawn was asked if she would like to take a break from volunteering with Daffodil Days. Her response was “no, as long as I can get there, I will do it, even if I have to crawl.” It is with great pleasure that we present Dawn Cheesman with the Canadian Cancer Society’s Medal of Courage.