At its Annual General Meeting taking place September 26th, 2008, Ontario March of Dimes will honour several individuals and corporations who are endeavoring to enhance the lives of people living with physical disabilities.

Award winner photo gallery

Award of Merit for Barrier-Free Design
For his commitment to accessibility for people with physical disabilities, Dan Bouwman is being awarded the 2008 Ontario March of Dimes Barrier-Free Design Award of Merit. The award, initiated in 1993 to promote public awareness of the importance of barrier-free design, is presented annually to the owner(s) of a building or facility that has been designed or renovated with special regard to accessibility for people with disabilities.

Bouwman purchased 93 acres of land which he turned into Heartland Forest - to prevent any development of the area and to give Niagara Falls residents a fully universally accessible nature sanctuary. All the forest trails and facilities can be used by people with disabilities. The forest also includes Niagara’s only completely accessible tree house. Heartland Forest is the largest privately-owned forest in Niagara.

“Very few people have been willing to go the distance that Dan has to make anything as inclusive,” says Linda Crabtree, a local newspaper columnist and accessibility advocate.

“This award could not go to a more deserving person,” says Lorraine Nadeau, Personal Effectiveness Training Instructor for March of Dimes, who nominated Bouwman for the award. “Heartland Forest will provide a wonderful nature experience for generations of Niagara Falls citizens of all abilities,” she continues.

For more information on Heartland Forest, please visit www.heartlandforest.org

Jeannette Shannon Post Polio Program Volunteer Award
For her dedication and long-term commitment to Polio Canada, a program of March of Dimes Canada, Scarborough resident Jan Nichols was awarded the 2008 Ontario March of Dimes Jeannette Shannon Post Polio Volunteer Award. Established in 2003 to honour the memory of Jeannette Shannon, this award is presented to recognize that rare individual whose involvement in the Post-Polio Program best replicates Jeannette’s extraordinary legacy.

“Jan has volunteered for March of Dimes for close to 10 years,” says Donna Mackay, Associate Director of National and Provincial Programs with March of Dimes. “She is truly the heart and soul of the chapter. “

As Chair of the Toronto/Peel post-Polio Chapter of Polio Canada®, Jan is actively involved in social planning, activities, and oversees the production of the chapter newsletter. She works tirelessly to inform their membership and the community about post-polio syndrome, a condition with symptoms that include weakness, fatigue, breathing and swallowing problems and muscle atrophy. It is estimated that up to 50 to70 percent of polio survivors may experience the disabling effects of post-polio syndrome 25 to 45 years after their initial recovery from polio.

Says Sheila Casemore, Manager of Group Development and Support for March of Dimes, “Jan is one of the nicest and friendliest people you could ever wish to meet, and could not be more deserving of this award.”

Vocational Rehabilitation Award
For their commitment to employing people with disabilities, Grandmother’s Pie Shoppe Inc. was awarded the 2008 Ontario March of Dimes Vocational Rehabilitation Award. The award, created in 1987, recognizes private sector employers who create training and employment opportunities for persons with a disability. The award is presented annually to a business, organization, or agency making an outstanding contribution to the vocational rehabilitation and employment of adults with physical disabilities.

Grandmother’s Pie Shoppe Inc. which opened in 1989, is renowned for having “the best butter tarts in Northern Ontario,” according to Muriel Boivin, Job Developer for March of Dimes, who nominated the store for the award. But it is not only the store’s tasty treats that makes it so special - but rather its outstanding commitment to the community and inclusion. Fully 60% of its 16 employees are people with disabilities.

Grandmother’s Pie Shoppe Inc. co-owners, sisters Helena and Marianne Lee have created a welcoming and accessible work environment for all employees. “Creating an environment that empowers employees to do their best can only help a business achieve long-term goals,” explains Helena Lee.

“Grandmother’s Pie Shoppe Inc. has greatly helped raise staff and community awareness of the benefits of hiring people with disabilities,” explains Boivin. “Moreover, they have invested in a long-term relationship with Ontario March of Dimes for both recruitment and training. Helena and Marianne define success by personal, community and bottom-line results – something we can all learn from,” she continues.

Community Partnership Award
For their commitment to the community, the County of Dufferin – Dufferin Oaks was jointly awarded the 2008 Ontario March of Dimes Community Partnership award, presented to an organization or community group for outstanding collaboration with Ontario March of Dimes in support of persons with disabilities. Created in 1997, this award recognizes the significance of the partner relationships across Ontario that further March of Dimes’ goals and contribute to its success.

The County of Dufferin – Dufferin Oaks, in a partnership with Ontario March of Dimes, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Central West Local Health Integration Network (CWLHIN) renovated the former Dufferin Oaks Long-Term Care facility into a 22 unit accessible apartment building for seniors and adults with physical disabilities. Called the McKelvie Burnside Village, the building is a supportive housing unit with 24/7 care for its residents.

“This project was so important in recognizing the social and healthcare needs of citizens of Dufferin County,” says Kathy Beilke of Ontario March of Dimes, who nominated the County of Dufferin – Dufferin Oaks for the award.

“McKelvie Burnside Village offers six supportive living apartments to people with permanent physical disabilities – enabling residents continued independence in a community setting. This is the first project of its kind for Dufferin County,” she continues.

For their commitment to supporting people with disabilities, TD Bank Financial Group was jointly awarded the 2008 Ontario March of Dimes Community Partnership award, presented to an organization or community group for outstanding collaboration with Ontario March of Dimes in support of persons with disabilities. Created in 1997, this award recognizes the significance of the partner relationships across Ontario that further March of Dimes’ goals and contribute to its success.

TD Bank Financial Group has been a significant and important supporter of March of Dimes’ programs and services for children and adults with disabilities. The bank has donated to specific program requests and in support of numerous special events, including March of Dimes’ annual gala dinner. Since 2005, TD Bank Financial Group has held the TD Challenge Barbeque - one of March of Dimes’ largest fundraising events.

“TD Bank Financial Group embodies the spirit of the Community Partnership Award,” says Mary Lynne Stewart, Director of Fund Development and Communications for March of Dimes.

“The bank’s commitment to diversity and hiring people with disabilities, coupled with the support from employees - from the executive through to the branch level – is invaluable and could not be more appreciated,” she continues.

TD Bank Financial Group has donated close to $450,000 to March of Dimes since 2000. This represents a significant amount of funding which has provided much-needed revenue for donor-dollar programs and services.

The Right Honourable Paul Martin Sr. Award
For his commitment to accessibility for people with physical disabilities, Gary Taylor is being awarded the 2008 Ontario March of Dimes Rt. Honourable Paul Martin Sr. Award. The award, was initiated in 1988 in honour of the former Honorary Campaign Chair of Ontario March of Dimes, the late Paul Martin Sr., who waged a personal battle against polio. The award is presented annually to an individual(s) for service to Ontario March of Dimes in the areas of fundraising, service or policy.

Gary has donated his time and efforts as a volunteer to March of Dimes for over 13 years. He has helped with the organization’s DesignAbility® program, which provides unique solutions to everyday challenges for people with mobility issues. He has also supported March of Dimes in numerous fundraising events.

As well, Gary, along with his wife Jill, started, “For the Needy, Not the Greedy”, an organization that distributes recycled assistive devices and other equipment to Northern Ontario and the Niagara Falls area.

“Gary is an outstanding community-minded volunteer whose support of our agency has been long-lasting. He is truly a man on a mission,” says Jocelyne Gagne, Associate Director, Community Relations for March of Dimes. “

“Gary strives to ensure that no one with a disability goes without the equipment needed to enhance their quality of life! His commitment to helping persons with disabilities is noteworthy and much appreciated by the staff and consumers of Ontario March of Dimes,” she continues.

Reverend Roy Essex Award
For her dedication and long-term commitment as a March of Dimes volunteer, Niagara Falls resident Jill Taylor was awarded the 2008 Ontario March of Dimes Reverend Roy Essex Award. The award, created in 1981 in honour of Reverend Roy Essex, a dedicated and long-time Ontario March of Dimes volunteer – is presented to a volunteer who has demonstrated a high degree of commitment and made an outstanding contribution to the goals of Ontario March of Dimes.

Jill has been volunteering for the March of Dimes Thorold office for a number of programs and fundraising events for close to 15 years, after her husband was assisted by the organization. She and her husband became March of Dimes supporters, and have been lending their time; energy and expertise to helping March of Dimes provide outreach to the greater Niagara Falls community. She is a dedicated member of the “Mod Squad”, comprised of a group of loyal volunteers who organize social events for March of Dimes consumers with disabilities.

In addition to her work with March of Dimes, Jill volunteers her time for the Tender Wishes Foundation, the Mayor’s Advisory Committee and Women’s Place of South Niagara. As well, she and her husband Gary started, “For the Needy, Not the Greedy”, an organization that distributes recycled assistive devices and other equipment to Northern Ontario and the Niagara Falls area.

“We are truly fortunate to have benefited from Jill’s years of volunteer service,” says Mary Gordon, Volunteer Coordinator for Ontario March of Dimes, and who nominated Jill for the award. She continues, “Such loyalty and dedication is surely worthy of recognition.”

Richard Kall Employee Award of Excellence

For her unceasing dedication to March of Dimes, Sherry Frizzell was awarded the 2008 Ontario March of Dimes Richard Kall Employee Award of Excellence. The award is presented to any full or part-time employee who demonstrates selflessness, excellence, improves the work environment and enhances customer service.

Frizzell has been working at March of Dimes since 1993, first as an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) worker and in her current position as Manager, as part of March of Dimes’ Independent Living program. Frizzell oversees the program across Northeast Ontario, including the service’s Northern Medical Clinics program, which every year save hundreds of northern Ontario patients the time, trouble and expense of travelling to distant cities to see medical specialists and receive treatments.

Her work with March of Dimes goes far and beyond her job – she actively participates in organizing staff and volunteer recognition and has implemented several workshops for her staff. She has also helped to expand the Northern Medical Clinics to allow more patients to receive service.

“Sherry is a role model for the entire management team,” says Lee Harding, Director of Independent Living for Ontario March of Dimes, who nominated Frizzell for the award. “She is a calm and professional mentor to her staff as she helps guide them in their careers – and her wonderful sense of humor is a breath of fresh air,” she continues.

Frizzell will receive a $500 education grant to be applied to any program that furthers her professional or educational goals.

Wade Hampton Employment Training Bursary
To help her pursue her goal of becoming a social service worker, Theresa Fitzgibbon was awarded the 2008 Ontario March of Dimes Wade Hampton Employment Training Bursary. The bursary honours Wade Hampton, who believed passionately that all people with physical disabilities have the opportunity to engage in full and meaningful employment. This honour is presented annually to an Ontarian with a physical disability requiring financial assistance in order to pursue a professional or career goal.

Fitzgibbon first came to March of Dimes in 2007 as a client, and is currently entering her second year of the Social Service Worker program at Loyalist College. She had worked as a hairdresser for 20 years, five of which she owned a home-based business. But a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2002 forced her to close her business, eventually leading her to explore a new career in the social services field.

“Theresa’s positive approach, motivation and personal understanding of the barriers faced by those with a disability will truly assist her in being a social service worker,” says Jennifer Wilson, Regional Employment Services Manager for Ontario March of Dimes, who nominated Theresa for the bursary. “She is a credit to the spirit of the award, and to Wade Hampton’s vision.”

The bursary will help Fitzgibbon towards her ultimate goal of becoming a social service worker.

2008 will mark the 57th year of the Annual General Meeting, took place at the York Reception Centre in Toronto.

Ontario March of Dimes is the largest charitable rehabilitation organization in Ontario, providing a wide variety of programs and services to almost 40,000 people annually in communities across the province.

Contact Us
Awards Selection Committee
c/o Executive Assistant
Ontario March of Dimes
10 Overlea Blvd.
Toronto, ON
M4H 1A4
Tel: 416-425-3463
Toll-free: 1-800-263-3463
Fax: 416-425-1802
E-mail: awardscommittee@marchofdimes.ca