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Volunteers who are setting milestones
Across Canada each year, thousands of people from all walks of life – be they healthcare professionals, people living with diabetes, parents with children who have the disease or individuals who care deeply about our cause – help us lead the fight against diabetes.
Each year, the Association commemorates the exceptional contributions of individuals and organizations with our seven national awards.
2009 Charles H. Best award winner - Dr. Charles Kenneth Gorman
Dr. Charles Gorman was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age two. After completing his degree in medicine at the Queen’s University of Belfast he met Dr. Charles Best. He then applied for a position in the Charles H. Best Institute in Toronto and was accepted. A long-time professional member of the Canadian Diabetes Association, Dr. Gorman served as chair of the National Nutrition Committee and, in 1978, as president of the Association for two years. In 2010, he will be eligible for the 75-year medal from the Joslin Clinic Foundation in Boston to commemorate his lifelong dedication to diabetes management.
2009 Frederick G. Banting award winner - Dr. David Hill
Dr. David Hill’s contributions to the Association date back to 1991, when he began serving on the Research Grants Committee. Since then, he has gone on to chair both the National Research Committee and the National Board, and is a member of the Council. He has also represented the Association and the diabetes research community through his involvement with the Government of Canada’s Coordinating Committee for the National Diabetes Strategy working group, Research Canada, and the Research Directors’ Group of the Council of Academic Hospitals of Ontario. Dr. Hill continues to work tirelessly as a strong advocate for diabetes research in Canada and around the world.
2009 Outstanding National Corporate award winner - Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.
As a top manufacturer of insulin and a provider of the most advanced insulin delivery systems, Novo Nordisk is a world leader in diabetes care. For more than 15 years, they have partnered with the Association on several research and education initiatives, including the Canadian Diabetes Association/Canadian Society for Endocrinology & Metabolism Annual Professional Conference, and the development of a continuing medical education program. They have played an important role in our advocacy initiatives, notably funding a report on the economic impact of diabetes on the Canadian healthcare system.
2009 Outstanding National Partnership award winner - Value Village Stores Inc.
Value Village has been a partner with the Association for more than 20 years, working with the business operations division to purchase used clothing and household items. Value Village also helps the Association build public awareness by allowing us to host kiosks at their store locations and advertising our partnership in the media.
2009 Kurt Kroesen National Inspiration award winner - David Speer
David John Speer, age 68 passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife Brigitte, 3 of his children and several grandchildren on January 19th, 2010. David will be missed and fondly remembered by all he touched.
In 1986, when David was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the Railway Association of Canada (RAC) – his employer - had a policy that prohibited employees taking insulin from holding “safety critical” positions – including David, who was demoted as a result. David worked with his union and the Association to advocate for change to the RAC’s medical guidelines, which are now considered among the best in Canada. David also worked as a volunteer for the Association.
2009 National Volunteer of the Year award winners
Flame of Hope Golf Committee
Twenty years ago, a group of volunteers in London, Ontario, who wanted to raise funds for diabetes education, services, advocacy and research, started the Flame of Hope Golf Committee. Spearheaded by Chuck Kloetstra – whose son had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes – the committee has hosted sold-out golf tournaments ever since and raised more than $660,000 for the Association.
Alan Marks After being diagnosed with diabetes four decades ago, Alan Marks has been a dedicated volunteer with the Association. Alan has been a leader in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in terms of the development of Toronto-based volunteer community groups. He has served as president of the Jewish Diabetes Chapter and as the GTA Regional Chair, and he continues to volunteer for various Association events. Alan also served on the Association’s Board of Director’s from 2006 to 2008.
Dr. Parmjit Sohal Since 2002, at local and national levels, Dr. Parmjit Sohal has been actively involved with the Association with a focus on increasing awareness among high-risk South Asians. Some of his contributions include organizing Association expos in Punjabi, participating in talk shows for television and radio, and writing numerous articles. He also helped Fraser Health in developing its first Punjabi DVD, “Live Well with Diabetes.”
George and Alice Van Ankum
George and Alice Van Ankum have been dedicated to building the Association’s North Perth-North Wellington branch since its inception in 1976. Since then, they have been active in helping those living with diabetes through educational meetings and fundraising events. Every year, they raise tens of thousands of dollars to help find a cure for diabetes, and they are a source of inspiration for the branch’s members and volunteers.
2009 National Young Volunteer of the Year award winner - Ashley Thomson Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 12, Ashley Thomson, who is currently a morning news anchor for Pembroke’s Star 96 Radio Station, actively promotes and participates in Association events. She is a co-facilitator for the Diabetes Support Group and met with the Ontario Healthy Quality Council to advocate for better services for people living with diabetes in Renfrew County.
Without the support of these people - people like you - we would not be able to provide educational or community support for people living with diabetes, we would not have the funds to support or translate research into practical clinical applications, and we would not be able to advocate on behalf of Canadians living with diabetes.
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