MADD Canada | Volunteer

Volunteers - The Victim Services Volunteer Award

The Victim Services Volunteer of the Year Award was created in 2003 to recognize volunteers within MADD Canada who exemplify compassion, dedication, diligence, caring empathy and respect for those who have suffered a loss due to an impaired driving crash. The individuals volunteer their time to support victims of impaired driving, as well as advocate on their behalf. Expectations are exceeded to ensure victims and their families receive the emotional, practical, and legal assistance they deserve.

For more information about the award or nomination forms, click here.

2010 National Winner:

Janet Mason – MADD South Eastern New Brunswick

For seven years, Janet has lived MADD Canada’s mission of “providing support to the victims’ of this violent crime”, and for the majority of those seven years Janet has been the only VSV in South Eastern NB and is often working with 3 or more families at a time. She exemplifies what these words mean. There are many victims in her community that may not have made it through their grief and legal proceedings without support from Janet.

2009 National Winner:

Karen Dunham – MADD Saint John, NB

Genuine in character, Karen is selfless when it comes to helping others. Her dedication to helping others is second to none. Karen has continually provided victim support since first becoming involved with MADD. She has given her shoulders freely, her ears willingly and her mind unwaveringly in her assistance to the victims in our own area, as well as across the country. She is always available to families suffering a loss or change in their lives.

2009 Regional Award Winners:

BC/Yukon Region – Marita Maas, MADD Metro Vancouver, BC

Marita has been instrumental in supporting victims in the Metro Vancouver area, and understands how important it is to contact victims quickly and give them the most compassionate assistance possible. Marita does not hesitate to pick up the phone, send a supportive email or care package and is willing to attend court. There is no doubt that the caring and understanding nature from Marita has assisted many victims in their healing. Marita lives by MADD Canada’s code that “Victims are our number one priority”.

Atlantic Region – Karen Dunham, MADD Saint John, NB

As above (National Winner)

2008 National Winner:

Stephanie Dooley - MADD Halton Region, ON
In the last 2 years, Stephanie has recognized the need to step back from some of her MADD duties, but has refused to let victims go unsupported. She hosts monthly support meetings, gives phone and one-on-one support and accompanies victims to court and parole hearings. Stephanie will do anything she can to support a victim and believes she has to do what she can – she can’t just give up! Thank you Stephanie for the victim support you have provided over the years!

2008 Regional Award Winners:

BC/Yukon Region - Sharon Graham, MADD Upper Fraser Valley, BC
Since the tragic death of her daughter, Debra in 1989, at the hands of an impaired driver, Sharon has been a devoted to supporting victims of impaired driving. As Sharon was getting ready to leave home for the Victims Weekend in 2007 in Vancouver, she received a call from a victim whose mother had just been killed. She immediately extended an invitation to the caller and her 2 sisters to come for the Saturday evening Candlelight Vigil at the National Victims’ Weekend. They showed up for the service, and thanks to Sharon, we were able to support 3 new victims that weekend. Thank you Sharon, on behalf of MADD Canada for everything you do.

Ontario East Region - Kim Butler, MADD Barrie/Simcoe
Kim exemplifies “Victims are our #1 priority”. Kim visits their homes or meets them for coffee. She continues to monitor the Chapter phone in her home so that she is there for victims trying to reach MADD. She attends all victim related events and vigils to provide support. On behalf of MADD Canada, thank you Kim for everything you do.

Ontario West Region, Stephanie Dooley, MADD Halton Region
As above. (National Winner)

Quebec Region - Jason Dubeau, MADD Upper Laurentians
Jason is very committed and is always willing to help, sincerely and with compassion. He has actively supported three new victims in the area doing court accompaniment and keeping in touch. He went above and beyond supporting 2 victims by coordinating their travel to the National Victims’ Weekend and providing French translation. Their thank you letter to Jason said “We have nothing but deep gratitude for you. Among MADD Canada, you are a shining example to follow. Thank you for being her for us”. On behalf of MADD Canada, thank you Jason!

Atlantic Region - Lori Walsh, MADD Charlottetown
Lori has extended herself selflessly to others in many ways. She has attended court with individuals, helped people write letters/statement, participated in and assisted in the organization of white cross ceremonies and been a wonderful source of support for Island families through phone calls and correspondence. The countless little things that Lori does so effortlessly will never be forgotten by these families and individuals, and these little things, which truly ease the burden for those grieving and in pain.
Anyone lucky enough to know Lori would know that she prefers to work behind the scenes, quietly volunteering her time, and her heart. Thank you Lori, for your outstanding service to MADD Canada.

2007 National Winner:

Tammy Milne, MADD Brandon, MB

Tammy has made a commitment to be available to victims of impaired driving, which has included court accompaniment, assisting with Victim Impact Statements, and attending the National Victims’ Weekend and Candlelight Vigil in support of a victim.

Thank you Tammy, on behalf of MADD Canada for everything you do.

2007 Regional Award Winners:

Prairie Provinces/NWT/Nunavut Region: Tammy Milne, MADD Brandon, MB

As above.

Atlantic Region, Janet Mason, MADD South Eastern New Brunswick, NB

Janet demonstrates kindness and concern for families who have been impacted by impaired driving. Janet supports victims, and listens as they share their grief.

2006 National Winner:

Nick Denny, MADD Cape Breton, NS
Nick has continued to support victims in his community with countless home visits, reading materials and an amazing ability to listen as they share their grief. Thank you Nick, for your outstanding service to MADD Canada.

2006 Regional Award Winners:

Ontario West Region
Colin Senior, MADD Manitoulin Island, ON

Colin goes above and beyond and supported a victim family throughout a 4 week trial, driving many kilometers, to attend court at least 3 or 4 days every week with the family. Thank you Colin, on behalf of MADD Canada for everything you do.

Atlantic Region
Nick Denny, MADD Cape Breton, NS

As above.

2005 National Award Recipient

Lesley Read, MADD Thunder Bay

Regional Award Winners

Atlantic Region
Angela Mason, MADD Southeastern New Brunswick

BC/Yukon Region
Catherine Ferguson, MADD Greater Vancouver

Ontario West Region
Lesley Read, MADD Thunder Bay

Prairie Provinces/NW/Nunavut Region
Rod Sudbury, MADD Winnipeg

2004 National Award Recipient

Sharon Lee Wideman, MADD Waterloo Region

Regional Award Winners

BC/Yukon Region
Wendy Tamminga, MADD Greater Vancouver

Ontario East
Margaret Williams, MADD Barrie / Simcoe

Ontario West Region
Sharon Lee Wideman, MADD Waterloo Region

Prairie Provinces/NW
Gillian Phillips, MADD Edmonton & Area

2003 National Award Recipient

Marie Kean, MADD St. Thomas Chapter

Regional Award Winners

Atlantic Region
Denise Green , MADD Saint John

BC Region
Helen Hoeflicker, MADD Greater Vancouver

Western Region
Sylvia Takacs, MADD Medicine Hat & District

Ontario East
Sylvia Curry , MADD Quinte

Ontario West Region
Marie Kean, MADD St. Thomas