The 2019 WICC Recognition Awards, and 2020 Volunteer of the Year Award were announced by Marilyn Horrick, WICC ON Co-Chair, at the Ontario Virtual Learning Breakfast on November 4th. Usually recognition awards for the year prior are awarded in person at our Gala dinner in May, however this event was cancelled for 2020, so it was decided to announce the awards at Breakfast alongside our 2020 Volunteer of the Year.
2020 Volunteer of the Year Award: WICC would not exist without people volunteering their time to make events and fundraising happen. Over the years, some of our volunteers have gone way above and beyond and a few years ago we began a tradition to recognize these people.
We are delighted to announce this year’s winner of the WICC Ontario Volunteer of the Year Award – Connie Emmerson. Connie has been a quiet but mighty supporter of WICC’s for most of the last ten years. Her volunteer work as WICC’s trusted Bookkeeper and Assistant Treasurer has made her the backbone of our organization. Connie has supported WICC through two Board Treasurers, providing critical financial oversight for 100% of our events, impeccable records administration, inter-agency relations, and has been our point person for any and all financial related matters and requests. We couldn’t ask for a more dedicated volunteer. Congratulations Connie!
2019 Hall of Flame Award: WICC’s highest level of recognition, the Hall of Flame award was created in 2005 to recognize the profound impact made by Crawford Canada. Their “Crawford Cares” program, launched in 2004, invited all employees to nominate their charity of choice which would receive 100% of all donations and fundraising monies raised in that year.
Selection Criteria:
- Level of contribution and initiative in raising funds for WICC.
- The extent of engagement from employees and/or community reach elevating the awareness for WICC.
- Commitment of contributions made over several years.
This year the award goes to Enterprise Rent a Car. For more than a decade, Enterprise has chosen WICC as its charity of choice and has organized its golf tournament to raise funds for this worthwhile cause. As an example, in 2019, industry golfers came together and raised $61,750. Enterprise has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting cancer research through its annual donations to the CCS via this golf event and for WICC Relay for Life.
Enterprise received the Hall of Flame Award in 2016 and 2012.
Enterprise received the Lew Dunn Award in 2013 and 2009.
Enterprise received the Gold Flame Award in 2014 and 2008.
Gold Flame Award: The “Gold Flame Awards” are presented to individuals or organizations that have made donations exceeding $5,000 and/or made significant contributions through commitment and raising awareness.
Selection Criteria:
- Individuals or organizations who have made donations exceeding $5,000 and/or have made other significant contribution to WICC
This year the award goes to IBAO, the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario, who joined the WICC cause in 2019 as Ontario Community Partner. IBAO has assisted WICC in expanding our reach and mission into the Broker space. In 2019 the IBAO donated over $22,000 to WICC through funds raised by their annual broker’s Gala Dinner in September 2019, with additional proceeds totaling $13,000 donated in January 2020. WICC was also recognized as a “charitable partner” for 2019 at the dinner. We are delighted with the ongoing and increased industry support!
Lew Dunn Award: Lew Dunn, is a former CEO of CGU Canada (now Aviva Canada) who lost his battle with cancer in 1999.
Selection Criteria:
- Volunteer (individual or organization) who has shown significant initiative in raising funds and/or awareness for WICC
This year the award goes to Don Forgeron, President and CEO for IBC, Insurance Bureau of Canada, in recognition of their extremely generous sponsorship not only in dollars donated to WICC, but also for sponsorship, management and posting to all of WICC’s social media accounts in connection with Paradigm Media (PR). This was a great gift to WICC. This was in addition to sponsorship of all of the gorgeous videos and photos of our Relay for Life event, which do so much to highlight WICC’s premier involvement in this event.
Congratulations to all our winners, we look forward to recognizing you in person at Gala next year!
