The 2023-2024 Gift of the Heart Awards were handed out during Empower Simcoe’s 71st Annual General Meeting on September 11th.
“The Gift of the Heart Awards recognize extraordinary individuals and organizations who have impacted the lives of the people and families supported by Empower Simcoe and our employees through their exceptional commitment and service,” says Empower Simcoe CEO, Dr. Claudine Cousins. “We’re so very grateful for their contributions that have been essential in advancing our mission of empowering people to lead a meaningful and inclusive life.”
The 2023-2024 Empower Simcoe Gift of the Heart Recipients are:
- David Whyne (Volunteer) – For his exceptional volunteerism, sharing his musical talent at Empower Simcoe Foundation fundraising events.
- Kevin Berry (Family) – For promoting collaboration, advocacy and inclusion on behalf of families supported by Empower Simcoe.
- Sharlene Fountain (Self-Advocate) - For her unwavering dedication to inclusion and advocacy for the rights of people of all abilities as a member of the Empower Simcoe Believe In Yourself Committee.
- Cortney Moreau (Employee) – For going above and beyond in her work as a Community Support Worker, positively impacting the lives of the people and families supported by Empower Simcoe.
- Barrie Kempettes Gymnastics Club (Community Partner of the Year, Barrie) – For its commitment and dedication as an inclusive employer for people of all abilities in our community.
- The Sharing Place Food Centre (Community Partner of the Year, Orillia) – For its support of Empower Simcoe’s Employment, and Transitions Programs, ensuring people of all abilities can gain life skills and work experience through volunteer work.
Empower Simcoe is a charitable, non-profit organization that was established in 1953 by parents wishing to offer their children with intellectual disabilities an alternative to institutional placement. The agency provides services for children, teens, and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families, programs that promote the healthy development of children of all abilities, and services that respond to community needs including a housing registry co-sponsored by the Canadian Mental Health Association. To find out more information on our supports and services, please visit empowersimcoe.ca.
