Twelve Albertans and ten international not-for-profit associations recognized in first-ever Friends of Canada Awards.
Calgary, AB, October 22, 2009 – During twin, satellite-linked Friends of Canada Awards ceremonies held simultaneously at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre and Canada House in London, England, Calgary Mayor Dave Bronconnier and Alberta Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation Cindy Ady honoured twelve Alberta-based innovators and leaders in the not-for-profit sector. Each individual recipient received a research package valued at $5000 to support the continued work and growth of their local not-for-profit organization. An additional $5000 research package was awarded to each of ten affiliated international organizations.
“We are so proud to recognize and encourage local innovators and not-for-profit organizations”, said Calgary TELUS Convention Centre's General Manager Marcia Lyons. “The addition of the international component of this award is recognition of the fact that not-for-profit industry groups perform valuable work at both the local and international levels. And that work contributes to the future economic, social and/or environmental development of the Commonwealth of Canada.”
The Friends of Canada Awards were Initiated by the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre and supported by the City of Calgary and Government of Canada. Award recipients for 2009 are:
- Dave Budge and Diane Humber, CBC Calgary – Awarded for their commitment to ensuring cultural diversity across all programming and to service Calgary's diverse and evolving demographic. International Affiliate: Commonwealth Broadcasting Association
- Dr. Sandra De La Ronde, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada – Awarded for her leadership among Western Canadian Women's Health practitioners.
International Affiliate: World Endometriosis Society
- Dr. Ryan Lee, University of Calgary – Awarded for his commitment and time given to Academia and to the risk and insurance profession through his advisory roles within non-profit organizations.
International Affiliate: International Federation on Health Plans
- Eileen Johansen, Girl Guides of Canada – Alberta Council – Awarded for promoting post secondary education among child and adult members through the provincial scholarship program.
International Affiliate: World Association for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
- Dr. Man Chiu-Poon, member of International Society of Haematology – Awarded for his efforts in promoting haemophilia care within Calgary, Canada and to the rest of the world.
- Dr. Schultz, Alberta Dental Association and College – Awarded for his contribution to the development of the Alberta dental industry and the support provided to dentist practitioners through out Alberta.
International Affiliate: Commonwealth Dental Association
- Mark Wolff, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Calgary and Area Chapter – Awarded for the contribution to Calgarians living with Multiple Sclerosis through the many programs and services offered by the Society, such as support counseling and peer link.
International Affiliate: Multiple Sclerosis International Foundation
- Justyna Kos, Calgary Geotechnical Society – Awarded for student development and an innovative approach to an industry skills shortage through facilitating the Student/EIT Travel scholarship.
International Affiliate: International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
- Kent R. Anderson, Miller Thomson – Awarded for Miller Thompson's promotion of Canada and representation of Calgarians through its involvement in Multi-Law, the world’s leading law network.
International Affiliate: Multi-Law
- Judy Martin, Canadian Mental Health Association Calgary Region – Awarded for mental health promotion in the Calgary Community and Workplaces through programs such as lasting Impressions, Continuing Connections and other education programs offered.
International Affiliate: Clifford Beers Foundation
- Brian Wik, Alberta Association of Optometrists – Awarded for contributions to the ‘Canadian Optometrists of Tomorrow’ through the Graduate Matching Service.
International Affiliate: World Council on Optometry
- Dr. Wilkes and Dr. Cawthorpe, International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions – Awarded for their work in preparing the winning the bid to host the 2016 IACAPAP World Congress in Calgary.
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Photos of the awards ceremony are available at: http://www.jademedia.ca/foca
For interviews or further information, please contact:
Heather Lundy
Director of Marketing
Calgary TELUS Convention Centre
Phone: 403.261.8514
Email: heatherl@calgary-convention.com