November 14, 2016
By Annie Vanexem
Terry Kelly starting us off on day 1 with his keynote.
The 2016 National Conference in Halifax is now complete and delegates are calling it one of the best ever. Terry Kelly’s opening keynote brought music, humour, and a positive energy that spread to an upbeat, optimistic vibe throughout this year’s Conference.
From the lobster dinner on Friday night, to the conversations that went deep into the night in one of the meeting rooms, deep conversations continued on Saturday as we explored previously untouched topics, including Cannabinoids and Medical Assistance in Dying. And of course, there were the small things too – whether having more time to connect during breaks, or the joy of the 3 babies (Luca, Freiya and Rose) who brought smiles to delegates’ faces all weekend, and reminded us all of the future of the Society…of hope.
Wall of messages of love and hope. Delegates were encouraged to post them all weekend long.
Throughout the weekend, and especially on Saturday night, we also honoured some individuals who furthered that same sense of hope. Please join me in congratulating the 2016 National Award recipients:
National Award of Merit, Corporate:
R.A. Utting and Associates, London, Ontario AND
Selkirk Record, Winnipeg, MB
National Award of Merit, Individual:
Janet-Rose Hurst, PEI Chapter AND
Laurie Williams, Okanagan Chapter
Dean Crain Memorial Award:
Jim Stewart and Martin Denonville, 2-4-1 (2 Guys, 4 Wheels, 1 Cause), a cross-Canada bike ride for HD
Stan Edwards and Dorothea Smith Award:
Cheri DeLargie, London Chapter AND
Lynn and Rick Miner, Niagara Chapter
Milestone Award for Communications:
Durham Region Active Area
Milestone Award for Fundraising:
Grande Prairie Chapter
Michael Wright Community Leadership Award:
Rich Wheeler, West Coast Newfoundland Active Area
Chairman’s Award:
Jackie Skinner, YPAHD AND
Cindy Moore and Erin Wade, Brockville, On
Ariel and Ralph Walker Founders’ Award:
Dan Devlin
Awards ceremony tables decorated with handmade Barb’s Ribbons of Hope – worn proudly by everyone present!
Congratulations also to Bunny Clark and the Durham Region Active Area who were granted official Chapter status at this year’s Conference!
We can’t wait for 2018! Jim Pollard mentioned during the weekend that there are many ripples in the HD community – I can’t wait to see the ripples from November 2016. They’re coming!