Celebrating Extraordinary Leaders for National Volunteer Week: The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region's 2012 Volunteer Awards

TORONTO, April 15, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region is thrilled to announce the winners of its 2012 Volunteer Awards. Today's awards recognize exceptional volunteers, including individuals, teams and organizations, that are leading the way in helping the Foundation build a future without breast cancer.

CTV News Channel Anchor Jennifer Ward announced the winners on Sunday at a ceremony at Toronto's Fairmont Royal York, kicking off the start of National Volunteer Week.

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation was established over 25 years ago by a group of determined volunteers who set out to change the landscape of breast cancer.  Volunteerism remains at the Foundation's core today.  Last year, over 7,000 volunteers in communities all across the province dedicated more than 72,000 hours of their time to help the Foundation make a difference by funding breast cancer research, health education and advocacy.

"I want to express our sincere gratitude to the thousands of volunteers for their time, energy, and commitment. Their impact is demonstrated by the tremendous progress that's been made in the field of breast cancer research," says Sandra Palmaro, CEO of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region. "Thanks to their hard work and dedication, the Foundation was able to raise a record breaking $20.5 million this past year and enable critical new investments in breast cancer research, fellowships and education."

This year's award winners continue to raise the bar on innovation and creativity in fundraising, advocacy and championing change. The Foundation is thrilled to celebrate the extraordinary contributions this year's award-winners have made over the past year.

Winners of the 2012 Volunteer Awards:

Top Yard Sale for the Cure Fundraiser - Individual Host Site: Patti Russell
Top Yard Sale for the Cure Fundraiser - Community Host Site: 1-800-Got-Junk
Top Fundraiser - Corporate Supporter: RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada Inc.
Top Fundraiser - Community Events: MAC Rally of Hope
Top Fundraiser - Leaders for the Cure: BLJC Govan Brown Charity Casino (Gordon Hicks/Jon Taylor)
Top Fundraisers for Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure:
            Top CIBC Run for the Cure Individual Fundraiser: Amar Tamber
            Top CIBC Run for the Cure Friends & Family Fundraiser: Team Tina
            Top CIBC Run for the Cure School Fundraiser: Elmwood School
            Top CIBC Run for the Cure Corporate Fundraiser: Fairmont Royal York
            Top CIBC Run for the Cure Women's Team Fundraiser: Just Doing It

New Community Event Organizer Award: Megan Dubas/Soo Greyhounds Pink in the Rink
This award recognizes the organizer of an outstanding new community event that fundraises in a unique way.

Returning Community Event Organizer Award: Alanna Foell/Bald Breasts Bands
This award recognizes the organizer of an outstanding community event that has been taking place for three years or more.

First Time Run Committee Volunteer Award: Tyler Robinson
This honour is awarded to a first-year CIBC Run for the Cure committee volunteer who demonstrates exceptional commitment, creativity, and leadership.

Returning Run Committee Volunteer Award: Rita Blais
This honour is awarded to a volunteer CIBC Run for the Cure committee member who has served on their committee for more than two years and who demonstrates exceptional commitment, service, and leadership.

Erin McBride Run Leadership Award - New Run Director: Debbie Alison & Alison Blanchard
This award honours an outstanding volunteer in their first year as a Run Director who has demonstrated leadership, a willingness to learn and promoted teamwork among their CIBC Run for the Cure committee.

Erin McBride Run Leadership Award - Returning Run Director: Tammy Jeffrey
This award recognizes a veteran Run Director who demonstrated leadership, vision, a willingness to motivate others and promoted teamwork among their CIBC Run for the Cure committee.

Youth Volunteer Award: Immaculata High School
This award recognizes young volunteers who demonstrate a commitment to creating a future without breast cancer.

Corporate Commitment Award: 1-800-Got-Junk
This award recognizes a corporation that has fostered an environment of volunteerism for the benefit of the Foundation.

Cause Leadership Award Dr. Gurmit Singh
This award honours an individual who has greatly advanced the cause-related work of the Foundation through the application of their breast cancer knowledge and expertise.

Voice of the Foundation Award: Tessa Bonhomme
This award recognizes an outstanding volunteer speaker who represents the Foundation and shares the Foundation's message with others.

Outstanding Volunteer Award: Bruce Cole, Gordon Hicks, Jeffrey Nold
This award is given to a maximum of three volunteers who have shown exceptional commitment to the Foundation's mission, vision and values.

Jeannette Hawke Volunteer Recognition Award: Nancy Paul
This award recognizes volunteer excellence and a commitment to advancing the Foundation's goal of creating a future without breast cancer.

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region:
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1986 as the first volunteer-led organization in the country devoted exclusively to breast cancer research, health promotion and advocacy. Our goal is to reduce the number of people diagnosed with breast cancer, and to improve quality of life for those affected.  We direct donor dollars to world-class researchers and clinicians who are making groundbreaking progress in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Since 1986, the Foundation's Ontario Region has awarded over $84 million in funding for nearly 600 grants, supporting research projects, fellowships and community health initiatives.

To coordinate an interview, contact Adrienne Palmer, Director, Communications and Government Relations, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region, at 416-815-1313, ext. 284 or email: [email protected].