FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2011
LONDON, ONTARIO – Share your stories. Inspire by example. Recognize deserving individuals and organizations.
The Pillar Community Innovation Awards celebrate nonprofits and charities and the businesses, government sector organizations and individuals who work together to make our community brighter.
The finalists for this year’s Pillar Community Innovation Awards have now been selected. Please join us in congratulating them for all their efforts to make our community brighter. The field has been narrowed to three finalists in each of the four award categories: Community Innovation, Community Leadership, Community Impact, and Community Collaboration. They are:
Community Innovation Finalists
My Sisters’ Place Micro Enterprise
– A jewelry micro-enterprise that operates out of My Sisters’ Place, a safe day space for women who are homeless.
Westminster Working Group
– Established in 2010 to tackle the complex issue of childhood obesity at a neighbourhood level through innovative initiatives.
Youth Opportunities Unlimited
- Contributes to the quality of life in our community by helping local youth at risk to build positive lives.
Community Leadership Finalists
Jon DeActis
– A professional dedicated to the well-being of children, youth and families in the community for the past 30 years, who uses a strength-based and family focused approach.
Larry Myny
– A professional whose passionate commitment to community through sharing his time, insight and resources is exemplary.
Nancy Needham
– Executive Director of the South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre, who is motivated, devoted and committed to the community she serves.
Community Impact Finalists
Fred Benenati, Albert Choy & Tom Partalas
– Friends and pioneers for close to 40 years, working tirelessly to grow the game of soccer making it accessible to everyone throughout London.
London Coffee House, a program of Canadian Mental Health Association London Middlesex
– A “second home” community gathering place, drop-in recreational/social program where people meet friends, build community and tackle their struggles with mental health and isolation.
Michelle Boyce
– An advocate and tireless volunteer whose community impact stems from the grassroots nature of her approach instilling motivation, encouragement and hope for members of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) and special needs communities.
Community Collaboration Finalists
"Home at Last" Affordable Homeownership Partnership
– A collaboration to increase the number of affordable housing units in London and to provide homeownership opportunities to households that can afford a small mortgage.
1000 Acts of Kindness Challenge, LUSO Community Services
– A collaboration with community partners to educate Londoners about hate and its devastating impact, and promote inclusion and safety in our diverse community.
Pawlooza (Animal Rescue Foundation Ontario & Leads Employment Services)
– The ultimate “Doggie Party” 100% charity-driven festival with an organizing committee and over 300 volunteers working in support of its charitable partners.
These finalists have all made outstanding contributions to the lives of everyday Londoners and surrounding communities. The Pillar Community Innovation Awards Celebration takes place November 15 at the London Convention Centre. This is our opportunity to recognize their hard work and selfless dedication to make our community brighter. Award recipients will be announced the night of the event and will receive $2500 to be directed to the registered charity of their choice.
Tickets are now available through the Pillar website.
Prices are $50 for Pillar members and $65 for non-members. For more information, please visit www.pillarnonprofit.ca or phone 519-433-7876.
Pillar gratefully acknowledges the generous sponsors who are making this event possible:
Libro Financial Group (Platinum sponsor)
Rogers TV / FreshFM103.1, Greatest Hits103.9, AM980 & FM96 (Gold sponsors)
About Pillar Nonprofit Network
Pillar Nonprofit Network is a voice for the nonprofit sector and supports nonprofit organizations in fulfilling their missions in our community.
We provide leadership, advocacy and support to the nonprofit sector through the promotion of volunteerism, professional development, networking, and information sharing.
Pillar Nonprofit Network has over 270 members from sectors including environment, health, education, social services, arts, sports and faith.
Media Contact:
Nicole St. John
Program & Event Coordinator
Pillar Nonprofit Network
251 Dundas St.
London, ON N6A 6H9
Tel: 519-433-7876
Fax: 519-435-0227
Article type:
Press Release
News Topic:
Social Innovation
Awards and Recognition
Innovation Awards
Advocacy and Awareness