“The Gary Goswell” Volunteer of the Year Award
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 2026 (recognizing 2025)
On Sunday, April 26th, BFO-D’s Board of Directors hosted their annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. 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 Volunteer of the Year Award was renamed this year to “The Gary Goswell” Volunteer of the year award. This award went to two members. Catherine Gray received one award for her dedication to BFO-D through facilitating and participating in several fundraising events. She volunteers in memory of her son Christian. Kim Jenkins also was a recipient of this award and is a trained facilitator and participates in several fundraising events. Kim does this in memory of her daughter Sheena.
The Susan E. Hendricks Volunteer of Distinction Award was also renamed this year. It is now the Susan E. Hendricks and Marian Rehr Volunteer of Distinction award, (they are the two cofounders of our organization). This year Susan Hendricks travelled from Winnipeg to present this very special award. This award of distinction went to our Chair of the Board, Gary Goswell. Gary has been chairing for over 33 years and is now stepping down. We thought he was very fitting for this award. He has done so much for all of us, and he will be forever missed.
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
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