Formally accepting the award on behalf of all recipients are Ian MacKnight and Margaret Publicover.
Mentor: A wise and trusted guide or advisor.
A mentor is an individual, usually older, always more experienced, who helps
and guides another's development. This guidance is not done for personal gain.
Ian MacKnight has been a long-time volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, as a Board Member, President, National Board Member and Committee member. He is always one of the first people to step up to offer his support.
Margaret Publicover is a pillar to her family and her community. Mrs. Publicover, actively enjoying a life of over 102 years, has focused her energies on taking care of others with enthusiasm and kindness.
In accepting the awards Ian MacKnight said "It is a tremendous honour to be recognized with such an esteemed group of people. I am truly humbled by all of the stories and the work these people have done.
We can see that mentoring is really about 'paying it forward' and I know that I speak for Mrs. Publicover and myself when I say that encouraging others to get involved, to step up and make a difference, is really all we hope to accomplish through mentoring.
I know Mrs. Publicover is incredibly proud that 4 of her family members here this evening are long time volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters. I too am proud of the fact that my own children have also volunteered for this organization many, many times over the course of my involvement.
Thank you so much for bringing light to the importance of mentoring in our community."
The 40th Anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Halifax provided an auspicious launch of the agency's Community Mentoring Awards. In celebration of 40 years we were proud to present these inaugural awards to 40 individuals who represent hundreds more in the community.
2008 Community Mentoring Awards Recipients:
Jamie Baillie | Rob Batherson | Bill Black | Level Chan |
Mario DeMello | Joe Dipenta | Eadih Fares | Tom Forrestall |
Margaret Fraser | Drs Richard & Ruth Goldbloom | Jarvia Googoo | Danny Graham |
Lonny Holland | Paul Hollingsworth | Joel Jacobson | Terry Kelly |
Ruth Kraushar | Andre Levingston | Rick MacDonald | Andrew MacNeil |
Veronica Marsman | Alexa McDonough | Dr. Joan McArthur-Blair | Ian MacKnight |
Anne McGuire | Anne Melanson | Jim Mills | Peter Moorhouse |
Karen Oldfield | Candy Palmeter | Valerie Payn | Margaret Publicover |
Joyce Ross | Michael Savage | Stephen Schneider | Bernie Smith |
Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard | Jia Tsu Thompson | Gerald Weseen | Gaye Wishart |
Mentoring Awards presented to Big Brothers Big Sisters Volunteers:
Jim Dobrowolski
Cathy & Peter Flemming
Leanne Gallant
Judy Gobessi
Joanne Haran
Ellen Louth
Ian MacKnight
Shannon Slaughter
Shawna Snair
For additional information on the award recipients you may view the 2008 Gala Program Booklet.
Photo Gallery from the 40th Anniversary Gal