Champions of Canada’s blood system to be honoured at national event

Honouring our Lifeblood
HOL

“Honouring Our Lifeblood” event in Ottawa celebrates donors, partners, volunteers and recruiters from across Canada

SEPTEMBER 3, 2013 (Ottawa, ON) – Canadian Blood Services is rolling out the red carpet for donors, partners, volunteers and peer recruiters from across Canada at its annual “Honouring Our Lifeblood” event, being held in Ottawa on September 9, 2013. These individuals and organizations are being celebrated for the selfless dedication and commitment they have demonstrated to Canada’s blood system.

The special evening includes a dinner, awards presentation and speeches from inspiring Canadians, including Lifetime Achievement Award recipients Dr. John Dossetor, the pioneer of kidney transplantation in Canada, and Craig Upshaw of the Canadian Hemophilia Society. The master of ceremonies is iconic news anchor, Lloyd Robertson; delivering the keynote address is blood recipient Jody Mitic, a former military sniper and participant is this year’s The Amazing Race Canada; and the recipient speaker, sharing his story on behalf of his three-year-old daughter Reese, is Ed Hawkins from Pictou, Nova Scotia.

“We are proud to recognize these champions of Canada’s blood system from each region,” says Dr. Graham Sher, CEO of Canadian Blood Services. “Each year, hundreds of thousands of blood donors and volunteers, as well as community groups and partners, help to ensure that those needing blood receive it. Without their time and generosity, Canadian Blood Services would not be able to provide the life-saving blood, stem cells, and organs and tissues required by patients from coast to coast.”

The following individuals and organizations will be honoured:

National Partner:

  • Scotiabank

Regional Partners:

  • Fraser Health – British Columbia & Yukon
  • Suncor Energy – Alberta
  • Harvard Broadcasting – Prairies
  • Manulife Financial – Central Ontario
  • Gold Ribbon Campaign – Southern Ontario
  • BESTECH – North/East Ontario & Nunavut
  • CAA Atlantic – Atlantic

Peer Recruiters:

  • Colleen Fitzpatrick – British Columbia & Yukon
  • Shelagh McCracken – Alberta
  • Maegan Springman – Prairies
  • June Watkins – Central Ontario
  • Jacqueline Bar and Olivia Figliomeni – Southern Ontario
  • louderthanwords - North/East Ontario & Nunavut
  • Cheryl Steadman – Atlantic

Volunteers:

  • David Stafford - British Columbia & Yukon
  • Tammy Lu – Alberta
  • Patricia Timms – Prairies
  • Lorna Van Bergen – Central Ontario
  • Crystine Clark – Southern Ontario
  • Douglas Billingsley - North/East Ontario & Nunavut
  • Dave Thomson – Atlantic

Donors:

  • Rod Fimrite: British Columbia & Yukon
  • Tim Zarowny – Alberta
  • John Busch – Prairies
  • Douglas Hickey – Central Ontario
  • Lindy Brunarski – Southern Ontario
  • Matt Saunders - North/East Ontario & Nunavut
  • Jim Lord – Atlantic

Stem Cell Donors:

  • Kabir Chughtai – Prairies
  • Andy Law – Central Ontario

In addition to these awards, a Canadian Blood Services employee will receive the National Employee Award of Distinction; and Dr. Donna Wall of Winnipeg, Manitoba will receive the Schilly Award for excellence in recruitment and promoting awareness of the need for blood, stem cells, or organs and tissues.

People interested in more information on how they can become involved can contact Canadian Blood Services at 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) or visit us online at www.blood.ca.

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