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Osler Staff Philanthropy Award Winners 2024

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May 14, 2024 - Donor Story, Hospital Family Story, Stories

Osler Staff Philanthropy Award Winners 2024

2024 Staff Philanthropy Award Winners

Osler Foundation is proud to recognize and celebrate the outstanding efforts of Osler staff who demonstrate exceptional leadership in philanthropy.

At Osler, we never take for granted the twelve hundred plus Osler staff, physicians and volunteers who, in addition to giving in so many ways, personally donate to support their hospitals. This atypical level of generosity sets Osler apart from other hospitals and is a true example of the deep sense of pride and ownership Osler staff have for the work they do and the place where they choose to work. 

Osler-wide Winner: Jim Schembri, Public Relations Specialist, Strategic Communications

Jim's dedication to giving back to Osler, which is rooted in his family history and personal experiences, is truly remarkable. His willingness to share his own health journey to raise funds and awareness, is a shining example of selflessness and compassion.

Because Osler has been there for Jim and his family in many ways over the years, he felt compelled to support Osler Foundation through our Celebrate Summer Challenge where he used his marathon training to raise funds. And when Jim found out that he, too, was facing the same type of heart disease that had claimed the lives of both his father and brother, he didn’t hesitate to think again of others. Days after finding out he would need to undergo an angiogram at Brampton Civic Hospital, Jim reached out to see if we could use his story to spread awareness and raise funds for the lab.

When asked why he would be willing to do this during such a difficult and frightening time in his life, his answer was simple: “I would do it a hundred times, if I knew it would help one person.”

Peel Memorial Winner: Navpreet Cheema, Interim Clinical Services Manager for Child & Adolescent Mental Health, TAY Clinic, and Eating Disorders Clinic

Navpreet's dedication to enhancing the lives of others through both her work and her philanthropic efforts is exemplary.

Her leadership and support was instrumental in achieving the record-breaking results of last year’s Tour de Bleu cycling fundraiser, which raised $5.65 million for Osler and helped to establish a vital new AID Program for youth in crisis.  

Despite her demanding schedule, she consistently shows her support by actively participating in Osler Foundation events, acting as a true champion for the organization time and time again.

Brampton Civic Hospital Winner: Ivanka Kasabow, Professional Practice Leader, Clinical Practice & Quality

Ivanka's commitment to philanthropy and her willingness to go above and beyond is truly inspiring.

From her active participation as a member on the Employee Giving Committee to her steadfast advocacy for fundraising events like Ski Day, Ivanka has played a pivotal role in cultivating a culture of generosity and compassion within our organization.

Her leadership, enthusiasm, and ability to inspire others are truly remarkable. By rallying support for many important initiatives, Ivanka has not only made a tangible difference in our fundraising efforts but has also helped to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose among our staff.

Etobicoke General Hospital Winner: Sierra Hudson, Manager of Facilities Management

Sierra is being recognized for her dedication to supporting the Foundation's efforts to inspire donors. She has gone above and beyond to ensure that our donors are recognized and appreciated. Through her diligent work conducting donor tours and making introductions, she has forged invaluable relationships, laying the groundwork for meaningful connections and partnerships.

Sierra's meticulous attention to detail shines through in her guidance of our staff, providing essential support in vetting locations for naming opportunities and ensuring that all protocols are meticulously adhered to during installations and repair work. Her commitment to excellence ensures that every aspect of our philanthropic initiatives is executed with precision and care.

Beyond her professional duties, Sierra's personal commitment to giving back is admirable. For many years, she has been a generous supporter of Osler Foundation, demonstrating her deep-seated belief in the importance of supporting our health care in our community.

Congratulations to Jim, Navpreet, Ivanka and Sierra!

You can join them in giving back. Become a donor today!