Award Recipients Announced at Pillar Community Innovation Awards 2011

Posted: November 16, 2011

LONDON, ONTARIO – Share.  Inspire.  Recognize.  Last night, a sold out crowd of 500 guests attended the 5th annual Pillar Community Innovation Awards hosted by Pillar Nonprofit Network at the London Convention Centre.  The awards celebrate the nonprofit sector and the individuals, nonprofits and charities, businesses and government organizations whose work is making our community a better place to live, work and play.

Three finalists were selected in each of the four award categories, through a nomination and selection process, earlier in the year and award recipients were announced at the event.  Each of the finalist’s inspiring stories of their dedication and commitment to making a difference in London and area were shared through creative videos.  The four award categories are: Community Innovation, Community Leadership, Community Impact and Community Collaboration.

In addition to a one-of-a-kind, custom-designed award, created by local artist Vivian Tserotas, award recipients received $2500 directed to the registered charity of their choice.

Pillar congratulates all the finalists and is pleased to announce this year’s Pillar Community Innovation Awards recipients.

Community Innovation:  Westminster Working Group

Westminster Working Group (WWG) was established in March 2010 to deal with the issue of childhood obesity at a neighbourhood level. WWG celebrates the diversity of its community with members that include youth, adults and seniors – all of whom are interested in improving the health of their community. Residents came together to formulate innovative and effective approaches to promoting a healthy lifestyle, ultimately improving the quality of life for those who live in the Westminster neighbourhood. The creative programs that WWG implemented to reduce childhood obesity include the I‐Walk Challenge, Southdale Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market, Free Summer Sports Program, and Menu Maker Distribution. Westminster Working Group is an example of the empowerment that arises when neighbours begin conversations with each other.

Community Leadership:  Larry Myny

Larry is an exceptional community leader whose actions speak to an authentic belief in the power of volunteerism and charitable giving. He uses his time, insight, and resources to positively affect countless lives with his passionate commitment to the London community and inspires others to do the same. Larry has supported many events and organizations over the years, some of which include United Way of London & Middlesex, The ARTS Project, St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, Run for Retina Research, Junior Achievement, and Ronald McDonald House Golf Classic. Larry demonstrates respectful advocacy and engagement with his peers and an unparalleled positive spirit.

Community Impact:  Albert Choy, Fred Benenati and Tom Partalas

Albert, Fred and Tom share a passion for soccer and devotion to youth that has impacted the London community by allowing young people to enjoy this sport affordably. These three loyal volunteers have been involved in many local soccer associations since the 1970s. Some of their accomplishments include helping in the creation of the BMO Centre (a soccer and sports facility), developing an organized girls’ soccer league, and providing the opportunity for youth to play indoor soccer at affordable costs. Their love and commitment to the game of soccer has encouraged diversity and inclusiveness in the London youth community. Soccer in the London area has grown and improved throughout the years as a result of Albert, Fred and Tom’s invaluable contributions.

Community Collaboration:  Home At Last Affordable Home Ownership Partnership

“Home At Last” is a public-private collaboration to increase the number of affordable housing units in London and to provide homeownership opportunities to households that can afford a small mortgage. Through these partnerships, HAL improves the quality of life for the London community by helping low-income families achieve home ownership, allowing them to have a home they can call their own. HAL demonstrates the successful outcome of the private sector (London St. Thomas Association of Realtors), collaborating with government entities (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the City of London), a charitable organization (Habitat for Humanity), and an educational institution (the North American Trade School) – all joining forces to help those in their community.

Libro Financial Group was the Platinum sponsor for the event.

About Pillar Nonprofit Network

With more than 275 members, Pillar Nonprofit Network is a voice for the nonprofit sector. Supporting nonprofit organizations in fulfilling their missions in our community, it provides leadership, advocacy, and support to the nonprofit sector through the promotion of volunteerism, professional development and networking opportunities, and information sharing.

Media Contact:

Michelle Baldwin, Executive Director
Pillar Nonprofit Network
251 Dundas St., London, ON N6A 6H9
Tel: 519-433-7876   Fax: 519-435-0227 
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