2008 Annual Awards Winners
MS Society of Canada, Alberta Division
Saturday, November 1, 2008 - Red Deer, AB

Every year Alberta Division recognizes individuals and organizations who have made an outstanding contribution to the MS Society throughout the year. We are proud to recognize and celebrate the achievements of this elite group.

Note: Presenting the winners with their award is Suzanne Deschamps, Alberta Division Board Chair.

National Awards

President’s Award Joan Ozirny, St. Albert Joan’s boundless energy and dedication have been an inspiration to clients, health professionals and staff throughout Alberta. Joan is often sought out for media interviews, MLA presentations, client advocacy scenarios and peer support.  She is a highly organized volunteer and has played a key role in the success of the MS Society in Alberta.

National Award of Merit, Member Joan Ozirny, St. Albert Joan has contributed many years as a member of the Edmonton Chapter and Alberta Division Boards.  As an advocate for client services, one of her most significant successes was working to include MS drugs on the Alberta Formulary in the early nineties.  As well, Joan always dreamed of a comprehensive MS Clinic in Northern Alberta and has advocated this for many years. Hence she has been an avid supporter of recent MS Society efforts to achieve this goal.

National Award of Merit, NON-Member Gordon Bertie, Edmonton Gordon has participated in the MS Bike Tour for six years. Last summer Gordon turned 60 and dedicated himself to reaching the $60,000 mark for his total fundraising amount. To do that he would have to raise $28,000 in one year, something he had never done before. By the end of the 2008 MS Bike Tour, Gordon had surpassed his goal and raised a grand total of $34,000 – the highest any participant has raised in the Leduc to Camrose Tour.

Opal Award Annie Vanhell, Lethbridge Annie’s husband, Ralph, was diagnosed with MS in July, 1996. By the fall of 1996 he was using a cane and a year later he was in a wheelchair. In April of 2005, Ralph was placed in Designated Assisted Living as his medical needs could not be met at home. Annie visits Ralph every evening and incorporates as many activities and outings as she can without compromising his health or care. Ralph has day passes on the weekends and comes home every Saturday and Sunday. Annie takes Ralph to Lethbridge for all of his appointments, and a stop at Tim Horton’s is part of the routine.

Alberta Division Awards

Volunteer of the Year Award – Joanne Robinson Award Chris Keiser, Sherwood Park Chris helps individuals deal with the challenges of MS. In particular, he helps men adjust to and accept their diagnosis. He provides hope that they can overcome the diagnosis and provide for their families. Chris also promotes the MS Society and provides public education about MS. He is also a top fundraiser in the MS Walk.

Development Volunteer Of The Year Award – Pat Stewart Award Cindy Bakala, Calgary Cindy has volunteered with the MS Society, Calgary Chapter since 2001 and is an active member of the Calgary Chapter Board. She is also involved with MS public education, fundraising, and the RONA MS Bike Tour committee. Cindy has an unlimited amount of energy and her fellow committee members look to her for guidance and support.  Cindy was also the site coordinator at the MS Walk for a number of years before she stepped down to become a participant and raise funds with a team she recruited.

Special Service Award of the Year Andy’s Oilfield Hauling Ltd., Blackfalds Andy’s Oilfield Hauling has been a cash sponsor of the MS Walk for over ten years and a very good friend to the Central Alberta Chapter.  Three years ago the Central Alberta Chapter received a donation of a four-year lease on a vehicle.  However, the “MS Awareness Van” needed some fuel. The Chapter approached Andy’s Oilfield Hauling and they said “Sure, not a problem.” This incredible partnership with Andy’s Oilfield continues to help Central Alberta Chapter raise awareness.

Board Chair’s Special Recognition Award First Truck and Trailer, Edmonton First Truck and Trailer has been a major financial supporter of Edmonton Chapter programs and MS Society research over the last number of years. Their support has made it possible for Edmonton Chapter to provide a variety of programs and services to persons with MS in the Capital Region. Since 2005, First Truck has donated over $18,000 to Edmonton Chapter. More recently, First Truck has made a generous donation to the MS Research Foundation –a $25,000 donation over a 5 year period.

Communications Award Newcap Broadcasting, Lloydminster NewCap Broadcasting has been a dedicated supporter of the MS Society for many years, offering over $16,000 in advertising annually for the MS Walk in Lloydminster. NewCap also provides extensive coverage of the MS Carnation Campaign and has initiated multiple stories on other Chapter programs and initiatives, including Kids Kamp and the Safeway We Care Campaign.  NewCap has played a crucial role in significantly raising the public profile of the MS Society in Lloydminster.

Paul Scott Award Tara Maloney, Red Deer Tara began with the Central Alberta Chapter over nine years ago as the receptionist. She was promoted to Executive Assistant because of her commitment, hard work and eagerness to take on a challenge. One of the challenges she took on was overseeing the registration process for the MS Walk and RONA MS Bike Tour. Tara also coordinates the Carnation Campaign for all of Central Alberta. She has always been a cheerful, helpful, positive employee and is a pleasure to work with.

Maureen Allen Social Action Award Helen Chesterman, Edgerton Helen has been a tireless champion of social change for many years. As Chair of the Alberta Division Government Relations Committee, Helen helped develop strategic relationships with key MLAs, leading to a friendly visiting program and improved care and accommodations for young people in long-term care. Helen is also a MS Ambassador and wears the “ambassador hat” in many of her personal and professional relationships.

© Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada