Courage and leadership
JIBC Foundation Gala honours award recipients and raises approximately $160,000
Pictured above (L to R): JIBC President Jack McGee, Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, and Vern Campbell, Chair, JIBC Foundation Board
The 10th JIBC Foundation Awards for Justice and Public Safety and fundraiser on November 30 was a resounding success, raising approximately $160,000 for the Foundation.
More than 400 people attended the JIBC Gala and awards ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver. Proceeds from the event, supported by presenting sponsor Scotiabank and other generous sponsors, will go toward financial support for JIBC students, including awards, bursaries, and scholarships.
Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia and Sergio Cocchia, co-owners of the Absolute Spa Group, announced at the Gala that they are donating $10,000 to establish an annual award for JIBC students who work with people with disabilities.
“This evening it’s our pleasure to be here and to give thanks to JIBC for giving us an opportunity to play a part in supporting such incredible critical programming,” said Sergio Cocchia.
“We very much appreciate the strong support shown at the Gala for our work in justice and public safety education,” said JIBC President Jack McGee. “We also commend the award recipients, who spoke so movingly about their experiences. They personify courage and leadership.”
Among the recipients of a JIBC Foundation Heroes & Rescue Award was Canadian Forces Captain (Retired) Trevor Greene, who was severely injured in an axe attack while serving in Afghanistan and has made significant and inspiring progress in his recovery. Cpt. Greene, who received the award for bravery in the field of battle and inspiring courage in the face of personal tragedy and adversity, said in his speech that his only regret “is not finishing my mission.”
“The man that hit me with the axe had no hope, had no future. He was illiterate. The Taliban convinced him that killing an infidel would get him to heaven. I want to change that. I want to reverse the poverty and the ignorance that breeds violence.” Cpt Greene and his wife Debbie Lepore are setting up a foundation to support education of women in conflict zones to become teachers.
Other recipients of the Heroes & Rescue Award included Firefighters Without Borders Canada, for contributions to the advancement of emergency service organizations in developing countries, and Robert Mackay, for extraordinary courage and valour demonstrated during the 2011 Stanley Cup riot.
The Dr. Joseph H. Cohen Award was presented to The Honourable Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond for her uncompromising advocacy on behalf of children and youth, and leadership in protecting their rights and improving the system for their protection and support, as British Columbia’s first Representative of Children and Youth.
Dr. Turpel-Lafond, who invited her nine-year-old daughter up to the stage to join her during her speech, said: “In my line of work to support children and youth in very difficult circumstances in British Columbia, it’s so important we have trained people on the frontlines of the various systems of support such as policing, first responders, child welfare and other areas. And the Justice Institute is a huge partner in working with my office, particularly around training in some key areas like child safety and domestic violence.”
The Anthony P. Pantages, QC Medal was presented to Thomas Berger, OC, OBC for his years of distinguished service to the legal profession and his contribution to maintaining the integrity of Canada’s system of equitable justice and its attendant jurisprudence.
The JIBC Foundation Community Leadership Award was presented to Allan De Genova, Director and President of Honour House for his effort in establishing this facility to temporarily house military personnel and first responders along with their families while they receive treatment for injuries suffered in the line of duty.
Last updated December 5, 2011
