CELEBRATING OUR OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS!
written by Niki Power
You may remember that (in our monthly meetings and gazette) we have we talked about some exciting things to come for OHS, such as a new permanent home for our monthly general meetings, welcoming the society’s first-ever employee, and what will hopefully be the first of many events entirely focused on celebrating our amazing volunteers.
A Special Celebration on June 2, 2024
On Sunday, June 2, 2024, instead of holding our final regular meeting of the 2023/2024 season, we had a special celebration! In pre-pandemic days, our June meetings typically included a potluck lunch. While these events were always a lot of fun, we wanted to change things up a bit this year to allow all of our members to feel truly celebrated without the effort and personal expense associated with a potluck.
A Wonderful Luncheon at Brightwood Golf and Country Club
Fortunately, thanks to generous financial donations to the Society, excellent money management by our Finance and Executive teams, and a few favors called in, we were able to make this celebration happen! Brightwood Golf and Country Club in Dartmouth did an amazing job of hosting 63 of us in their beautiful ballroom for a delicious luncheon featuring butternut squash soup, chicken with mushroom sauce, and chocolate mousse (yum!).
Keynote Speaker Darren Fisher, MP
The event began with an introduction and welcome by OHS President Stephen Likely and included a keynote address from MP Darren Fisher. Darren spoke about the value of volunteerism and provided the latest updates from the Canadian government on policies impacting our members, such as the Pharmacare program. Despite his tight travel schedule, Darren graciously took a few questions from the audience.
Burleigh Wile Award & Toast to Members
Next on the itinerary was a presentation highlighting the past 20 years of Burleigh Wile Award recipients, followed by the 2024 award presentations. Finally, Ed Tummers proposed a very thoughtful and heartwarming toast to all of us—members, volunteers, family, and friends.
This Year’s Awardees
We are excited to announce this year’s awardees:
Meritorious Service Award: Ed Tummers
President’s Awards: Graham Owen, Hilary and Steve McCarron, Blair Davis
Burleigh Wile Award: Bill Power
Fundraising and Fun
Throughout the event, Bill and Jessica very effectively sold $665 worth of 50/50 tickets! Half of this amount was taken home by our lucky winner, and the other half will go toward OHS youth programming. And, of course, there were the ever-popular door prizes! Several attendees got to take home a new colon, rectum, or bladder in plushie or keychain form!
Special Thanks
As the lead event organizer, I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks not only to each and every one of you who attended this celebration but also to those who were unable to be with us. You all continue to inspire us to pay it forward. Special thanks to Tina Dickson and Brightwood, Bill Power and the OHS Social Media and Communications Committee, co-organizers Graham Owen and Stephen Likely, as well as Mike Veres, Cathy Kilcup, Elaine Jeffery, Irene Stagg, and Ed Tummers.