At the end of each year, Bladder Cancer Canada (BCC) reminds our community of volunteers to nominate peers whom they feel are deserving of recognition for going “above and beyond” in their efforts to helps us achieve our Vision. In 2017, we saw many examples of the passion and dedication of individuals whom we are so fortunate to have on our team. These are people who demonstrate a deep ambition and consistent effort to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those living with bladder cancer.
CHAIR’S AWARD
Ferg Devins (left, with BCC Chair, Ken Bagshaw), began with BCC in 2014 by initiating the first-ever BCC Awareness Walk in Kenora, Ontario. He immediately went to work, reaching out to thousands of contacts for support and quickly blew his goal out of the water, resulting in more than $50,000 raised at that walk alone.
It wasn’t long before Ferg joined BCC’s Board of Directors, contributing valuable insights based on experience of 30+ years as a Corporate Affairs and Communications professional at Molson Coors. In 2016, Ferg took on the demanding role of National Walk Chair and continues to ensure the success of this critical annual fundraising event.
As if all of that wasn’t enough, Ferg is always enthusiastic in advising staff regarding social media and website maximization, taking our online presence to the next level.
PRESIDENT’S AWARD
Randy Smith (right, with Ken Bagshaw), also came to us with the desire to start a successful walk in his home town. Randy led the Durham Region walk for three years, while also working to establish a local support group.
It quickly became obvious that his compassion, calm demeanor and willingness to support his peers, would make him the perfect fit to take on coordination of BCC’s one-to-one Peer Support Program. Randy now spends countless hours responding to requests for support, matching each individual with a suitable Peer Support Volunteer (PSV) and following up to ensure their needs have been met. He works with staff to ensure the efficiency of the program and supports PSVs through training and on-going collaboration.
Courtney Blackshaw (Calgary, AB) – Volunteer Excellence
Debbie McCloy (Vancouver, BC) – Volunteer Appreciation
Dorothy Barrett (Halifax, NS) – Volunteer Excellence
Jane Brown (Toronto, ON) – Volunteer Excellence
Jean Mignault (Montreal, QC) – Volunteer Excellence
Karen Hunter (Saskatoon, SK) – Volunteer Excellence
Paul Kraemer (Richmond Hill, ON) – Volunteer Appreciation
Robert Purves (Toronto, ON) – Volunteer Excellence
- Lead Organizers for BCC Awareness Walks in: Halifax, NS; Durham Region, ON; Toronto, ON; Waterloo Region, ON; London, ON; Grey-Bruce, ON; Victoria, BC
- Patient Support Volunteers who have experience with “Bladder Preservation” and a female living with an illeal conduit (urostomy)
- Community Ambassadors in PEI; Newfoundland; Cape Breton, NS; Quebec; London, ON; Windsor, ON; Victoria, BC
