NOTE THAT THE “VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR” RECIPIENTS CHOSEN AND PRESENTED WITH THESE AWARDS IS FOR THE YEAR PRIOR TO APRIL OF THE CURRENT YEAR WHICH IS “VOLUNTEER MONTH”. THE AWARDS ARE PRESENTED TO THE RECIPIENTS AT THAT TIME FOR THE YEAR IN WHICH THEY VOLUNTEERED AND DEDICATED MOST OF THEIR TIME.
“Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, but they have the heart”
As we are all aware, Volunteers are the heart and soul of any non-profit organization. BFO-Durham could not function without its volunteers and at this time, wishes to thank everyone who has given his/her time to our organization.
We welcome new and returning Volunteers to provide us with the support so needed for fundraisers, family support sessions and office help. Please contact the office if you are interested in volunteering – everyone is welcome.
Volunteer Luncheon 2025 (recognizing 2024)
On Sunday, April 27th, BFO-D’s Board of Directors hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on our own premises. This luncheon recognizes many of our members who selflessly contribute to our organization daily, whether by working in the office, facilitating one on ones, drop-ins or closed groups or assisting with fundraising.
The Youth Award this year was presented to Zoe Olson for her dedication in the Children’s program. She does this in memory of her dad.
The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to two very dedicated volunteers, Suzanne Garvey and Cora Silininkas. Suzanne is involved in most of our fundraising events and volunteers in memory of her son Blake. Cora Silininkas is a trained facilitator who does drops in, one on ones and closed mom’s groups. She also is involved in the Walk to Remember and Angel tree. She volunteers in memory of her daughter Sabina.
The Susan E. Hendricks Volunteer of Distinction Award this year went to two very dedicated facilitators who have gone above and beyond, Vanessa Longhurst and Karen Fish. They both facilitate many drops-ins, one on ones and mom’s closed groups. They are involved with most of our fundraisers. Vanessa volunteers in memory of her son Dustin and Karen volunteers in memory of her son Derek.
A very special thank you to Caroline Goswell and Jane Carter for preparing the luncheon.
Our dedicated and compassionate volunteers are truly the backbone of Bereaved Families of Ontario – Durham Region
“Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another.” ~ Erma Brombeck