The MS Society of Canada Awards Program was established to recognize the outstanding contributions made by members, non-members, volunteers, people living with MS and caregivers. Awards may be presented in any of the following areas: client services, public education/communication, government relations, fund raising, research or administration.
This awards program helps identify achievement, dedication to the community and excellence in furthering the work of the MS Society in Atlantic Canada. Any person, organization or group may be nominated for an award provided they meet the award criteria. Length of service, organizational skills, creativity, leadership skills, inspiration to others, enthusiasm and improved public understanding of MS are a few of the qualifications for nominees.
Currently, award winners are announced at the Atlantic Division’s Annual General Meeting with presentations to follow as appropriate. Awards are not necessarily given annually, rather they are given only if there is an appropriate nominee.
Meet our 2010 award receipients!
DIVISIONAL - NATIONAL AWARDS
The following awards are presented for the Atlantic Division, and the Divisional recipients are also eligible for the National Award of the same name. At the National level, award criteria includes work that impacts two or more divisions.
1. President’s Award
The purpose of this award is to recognize the valuable contribution of persons with MS within the MS Society. Nominees in this category should have enhanced the influence and position of persons with MS within the MS Society of Canada and have created greater public awareness of the importance of active involvement of persons with MS.
2. Award of Merit - Member
The Division Award of Merit, Member, recognizes an outstanding contribution by a member of the MS Society in furthering the Society’s work within the division.
3. Award of Merit - Non-Member
The Division Award of Merit, Non-Member, recognizes an outstanding contribution by a person who is not a member of the MS Society of Canada, but has furthered the work of the Society within the division.
4. Opal Award
The Opal Award was established in 1993 by the MS Society of Canada to recognize those who are or have been caregivers to people with multiple sclerosis. The award was initiated to acknowledge the dedication and devotion displayed by Jack Opal and his daughter Minda in supporting and caring for Evelyn Opal, founding member of the MS Society of Canada, in her personal struggle with MS. Anyone who is or has been a caregiver to a person with MS is eligible for the Opal Award, and need not be a relative.
DIVISIONAL AWARDS
The following awards are presented for the Atlantic Division, and are unique to our Division.
5. Client Services Ambassador Award
The purpose of this award is to recognize any individual or group in Atlantic Canada who has made a contribution to enabling people affected by MS to enhance their quality of life. The nomination should reflect the candidate’s long term commitment.
6. Susan Rourke Public Education Award
The Susan Rourke PE Award was established in 2000 to honor the contribution made by the late Susan Rourke in increasing public awareness of multiple sclerosis in Atlantic Canada. Awarded to a member of the media, it is given to encourage excellence in writing and broadcasting about MS.
6. The Scott Gillis Award
The Scott Gillis Client Service Award was created to acknowledge the wonderful impact made by longtime advocate and board member, Scott Gillis, in improving the lives of those around him. This award will acknowledge the heroic efforts of people living with MS in their everyday lives. Recipients will demonstrate leadership or inspiration of others to work in service for their community; a positive outlook despite personal challenges; and a dependability and commitment to advancing the mission of the MS Society of Canada.
7. The Kay Reynolds Lifetime Achievement Award
The Kay Reynolds Lifetime Achievement Award will be given each year to the entry, if any, that the awards committee considers worthy of its namesake: a tireless advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities in her own community and beyond. The award will recognize an individual for a long-term commitment to improving and enhancing quality of life for persons living with MS in Atlantic Canada.
NATIONAL AWARDS PROGRAM
The national awards are the highest honours awarded by the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. They recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and excellence in furthering the work of the MS Society. Any person, organization or group may be nominated for any national award provided they meet the criteria and qualifications. Nominees for national awards must demonstrate involvement in activities whose impact crosses two or more division of the MS Society OR involvement in national office activities.
Nancy R. Perkins Award
The Nancy R. Perkins Award honours the memory of Nancy R. Perkins, a dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer who served on the national board of directors as honourary secretary and chair of the national public education committee from 1978 to 1982. It recognizes lifetime achievement for an individual who has left active volunteer service to the MS Society.
John Alexander Media Awards
The John Alexander Media Awards recognize excellence in writing and broadcasting about multiple sclerosis. The awards were established to honour the late John Alexander’s contribution to increase public awareness of MS in Canada. Submissions must have been aired or published in general circulation media in Canada between January 1 - October 31, 2011.
AWARDS PROCESS
Nomination forms are available at the Division office, or by calling 1-800-268-7582. Nominations must be received at the Atlantic Division office by November 4, 2011.
