News

Residents of Truro, Cape Breton among four recipients of national awards

(HALIFAX, NS) October 7, 2019 – The Victorian Order of Nurses (‘VON’) Canada presented awards to two Nova Scotians for their exemplary contributions to VON’s work in home and community care and for enabling people to live every day to the fullest.

Following its Annual General Meeting in Halifax, VON Canada held a reception and presentation of national awards to four individuals, two of whom are Nova Scotians.

Robert Fulton of Truro, Director for the VON Colchester East Hants Community Corporation, was presented the VON Canada Award of Distinction for Nova Scotia. This award recognizes a volunteer or employee who has provided outstanding service to VON.

“Giving back to my community was instilled in me at a young age, and it’s a privilege to support such vibrant and caring people in Colchester through VON,” said Robert. He has held a long list of director roles with the VON Colchester East Hants Community Corporation over his 22-year tenure. He has served as President, Vice President, Fund Development Chair, and Fund Development Committee Member. Robert is a champion of VON’s vision of every life lived to the fullest. He is also an active member of his community, having recently received the Provincial Volunteer Award in recognition of 40 years of service as a volunteer in the Colchester region.

VON Canada also awarded Elizabeth MacDonald, VON District Executive Director in Antigonish, Cape Breton Metro and Richmond County, with the Lady Ishbel Aberdeen Award. This award recognizes an employee who has rendered service of great distinction or of singular excellence at all levels of VON. Elizabeth began her career at VON as a frontline nurse in 1997. She embodies the spirit of VON Founder, Lady Aberdeen, as a caregiver and trailblazer, while always keeping clients at the heart of her decision making. “Seeing first-hand the life-changing impact our work has on our clients is so rewarding and serves as my daily motivation to ensure we deliver excellent, caring support in our communities,” said Elizabeth.

Other awards presented that evening went to Ontarians Lori Cooper, VON Regional Executive Director for Ontario, North East Region, who received the Award of Distinction for Ontario; and, Gary Ursell, Past Chair of the VON Canada Board of Directors, who received the Lifetime Associate Award.

About VON Canada: VON Canada has been pioneering care at home for over 120 years. Today, we are a highly trusted non-profit organization that works with our clients, employees, volunteers and partners to provide innovative clinical, personal and social support to people who want the comfort and peace of mind of living in their own homes and communities. VON is accredited with Exemplary Standing by Accreditation Canada.

About VON Community Corporations: VON Community Corporations are local charitable corporations made up of volunteer leaders who support VON Canada’s mission in their own communities. In partnership with VON Canada staff, they help build relationships with other local leaders and community groups, agencies and others to strengthen VON’s work. They raise funds to support VON clients, programs and initiatives, and advocate on behalf of VON in their communities. And they work with each other, and with VON’s national leadership, to support VON wherever we provide care.

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Media contacts:

Emily Mallard
Marketing, Communications and Philanthropy Officer
VON Canada – Nova Scotia
T: 902-678-3415
emily.mallard@von.ca

Rosie Michel
Marketing, Communications and Philanthropy Officer
VON Canada – Ontario
T: 613-288-3463
rosie.michel@von.ca