Courage Award Recipients

2012

Dr. Howard Conter
Dr. Howard Conter has many passions in his life, and people are at the core of all of them, especially in his chosen profession as a doctor, which he has been pursuing for over 26 years. He is well known as a philanthropist and a community volunteer with many local and regional organizations, including Air Canada’s Dreams Take Flight, the Children’s Wish Foundation, the QEII Foundation, and the Atlantic Jewish Council. There is one very personal charity that Howard is closely involved in, the Tema Conter Memorial Trust. It was created to honour the memory of Howard’s sister, who was murdered in 1988, and to call attention to the trauma encountered by emergency services and military personnel.  Many of these heroic individuals struggle quietly with the physical, psychological and emotional effects of their jobs. Howard, with his wife Karen, organizes the Tema Conter Memorial Trust Dinner, a biennial event in Halifax, which raises well over $100,000 for the awards that are granted each year to further the educational mission of the Trust. As the trusts motto states: Even heroes are human.

Helen MacDonnell
Helen MacDonnell of Moncton, New Brunswick, is the force behind Women & Wellness, a group she began in 2004 to bring together people tired of whispering about mental illness. The group was created in the aftermath of her brother’s suicide in 2003. Seeking support herself, Helen started talking to people, and began to realize the number of people whose lives are impacted by mental illness. She joined the board of the Canadian Mental Health Association in Moncton and then, wanting to do more to raise money and awareness, she had a little party in her kitchen in January 2004. Women & Wellness has grown from those 54 women in MacDonnell’s kitchen into an event which this year will be held in 13 locations across the country - to date it is the only national awareness and fundraiser for mental health in Canada.  Last year more than 2000 women attended one of 10 free events in five provinces - BC, ON, PEI, NB and NS.  Thanks to generous sponsors and donations from guests, the total amount raised in support of host CMHAs is almost $600,000.  “Having mental illness doesn’t mean your life is going to end,” MacDonnell says. “You can get help, you can survive and thrive.”

Milo Gray
In his early years Milo was raised by his father, since his mother was incarcerated. His father expected him to be independent, which often left Milo to fend for himself. As he says, “I appreciated the freedom, but I took advantage of it. I got in trouble in school, in my neighbourhood, anywhere you could get in trouble." Labelled a troubled youth, Milo was once told by a family member that he would amount to nothing and would become a drug addict. He has never forgotten those words and has used them as motivation to keep moving forward. When his father was sent to jail for a year, Milo turned to his sports coach for help and was soon adopted by his best friend Tim’s family. Currently a student at Eastern College taking child and youth care courses and working at Family SOS as a youth worker, Milo already serves as a positive role model in his community. In his own words: “I want to continue the positive domino effect that youth workers had on me. I was helped; I helped, and so on. I feel everyone has potential.”

Kathi Sheriko
Kathi Sheriko’s husband, Tom, was diagnosed with cancer in 1988, when she was pregnant with her 3^rd child. Tom lived more than 18 years longer than the 2 months predicted by his doctors, in large part due to Kathi’s never-ending support, her ability to face challenges head on and her passion for her family. As her children grew up, Kathi and her family recognized how cancer (including her own struggle with breast cancer, diagnosed in 2004) had affected their childhood and family life. The idea of Camp Triumph was born from their desire to help other children whose families were dealing with chronic illness or disability. The camp was founded in 2005, two years before Tom died, and has survived and grown due to Kathi’s sheer will and determination. The camp, now registered as a non-profit charity, found a permanent home in 2009 when it was granted 13 acres of land by the province of PEI. To date Camp Triumph has supported close to 900 youth living with families who suffer from chronic illness or disability.

2011

Will Njoku
Will was born in Ghana and raised in Halifax. At the age of 12, a photo of an overjoyed athlete who had finished in 10th place at the 1984 Olympics ignited Will’s passion to one day be an Olympian. But, at the age of 15, Will lost his father to diabetes. At the age of 22, just weeks after becoming one of the few Canadian University students to be drafted into the NBA (41st, Indiana Pacers), he lost his 19 year old brother to Sickle Cell Anaemia. He has a sister who is chronically ill with the same disease. In spite of their suffering from losses and sickness, his immigrant family has had the joy of seeing him participate in countless international tournaments, 3 World Championships (Edmonton ‘91, Toronto ‘94, Athens ‘98) and representing Team Canada for 10 years.

Will personifies the idea of success being a journey, not a destination. Since retiring from professional basketball, Will has been involved in volunteering, coaching and inspirational speaking. He works as a professional speaker via his “Will2Win” program that, at its core, is about inspiring others to: Set Their Feet; Aim High;  Follow Through; Everyday (S.A.F.E). Will stood as the Lead Athlete in Halifax’s bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games. He serves as the Logistics coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life in Moncton, where he currently resides with his wife, Monica and son, Jackson.

Cyril Sampson
Cyril—with a lot of help from his wife Kaye—has made Family SOS a priority in his life for the last 10 years. Cyril owned a construction company for many years but was forced to retire early when he was involved in a serious car accident. He is not a man to while away the hours quietly and we are lucky to be the recipients of a significant portion of his time and effort.

Though Cyril and Kaye did not have children of their own, they have devoted a lot of energy every year to helping Family SOS, an organization dedicated to helping children in Halifax Regional Municipality. Every year, Cyril makes hundreds of visits to businesses in HRM and collects items to be sold at the Family SOS Annual Christmas Auction. The auction has raised over $100,000 for our organization in the last ten years.

Joachim Stroink
If there is anything to be said about Joachim Stroink, it is that his heart is as big as his vision.

2010

Bethany Moore
Bethany was born into an abusive home and was removed and separated form her two siblings at the age of three. Her adoptive parents were divorced before she turned four, and her father raised the children as a single parent until he remarried when she was twelve. She left home at the age of fifteen and ended up homeless and in an extremely abusive relationship. She moved to Halifax to get away from that relationship and had her first son at the age of 22.

Bethany is now a single mom who is raising three boys n a limited budget without the support of extended family. She is living in social housing and on assistance, but is creative in making ends meet in order to raise her children. A few years ago, Bethany was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. As a survivor of that, she is ever determined to enjoy life and to give back to her community.

Bethany has found time to volunteer in her community and ran a program at the North End Community Health Centre called “Grow With Me”. She prepared an extensive calendar of events in consultation with other mothers, organized guest speakers, purchased and prepared healthy snacks, and brought in toys and activities for kids. Hew warmth and welcoming of everyone to the group, her commitment to the inclusion of women of different backgrounds and her willingness to organize to help moms who are struggling, is an inspiration.

While the “Grow With Me” program has come to an end, Bethany has stayed active in the community in many ways, including helping with the community garden. Most important to her is her commitment to her children, despite the many challenges life can bring

Verna Dowe
Shortly after Verna’s birth to young parents in 1931, her parents separated and she was taken into foster care. Little did she know that her mother was pregnant again and her younger brighter also came to the home where she was living. At age eleven, her foster mother, who had been sick for years, died of cancer, and Verna and her brother were again separated. Her brother went through a series of foster homes, while she was left in the original foster home for a brief period and went back to be the “woman of the house” for her foster father and brothers. She attended the one-room community school where she was also expected to clean so she could earn $10 per year to buy shoes and school supplies.

She quit school shortly after turning 14 and began working in a pants factory, where she met and married her first husband. They had six children. During the pregnancy of her fifth child, her husband became very sick. By the time their sixth child was born, he had been diagnosed with Huntington’s disease, as was their eldest daughter. Her husband died in 1970 and over the next 30 years, each one of their children was diagnosed with the disease. Verna cared for all six children through their illnesses, while working to support the household. She suffered many health problems during this time, but states that, “you had to keep working”. Eventually Verna remarried and had two sons with her second husband, who was also diagnosed with a life threatening illness and died of cancer in January 1991.

Verna has endured more suffering than anyone should ever have to, yet she found the resilience and motivation to give back to her community in Amherst. For over ten years, she has been an active member of the local Huntington’s disease charity, and was its president for a time. In addition she has volunteered with the local food bank, and continues to volunteer with her church and Christian Women’s Club.

Lucas Kreft
Lucas is a 23 year old former youth in care of the province of Nova Scotia. Lucas has been a tremendously positive influence in our province, promoting awareness of the needs of youth in care and youth in general.  Lucas has completed grade 12 and continued on with his post secondary education, completing a trades program. Most recently he completed a college program in graphic design. Lucas currently works with a home renovation firm in Halifax and completes graphic design contracts in his spare time. Lucas is very creative and innovative in all of his endeavours.

Whether he is at the office of the Minister of Community Services, or attending a youth event, Lucas is always respectful and works hard to engage those around him to understand the needs of youth in care. Lucas always has a thoughtful suggestion and a personable story to illustrate ways that service providers and policies can better meet the needs of youth in our province.

Lucas has been a participant and now a mentor of the Youth Voices of Nova Scotia Society Newsletter Project.  Through his involvement in the Youth in Care Newsletter Project and the annual production of the Voice of Youth in Care, Lucas had helped to create a network of community support for youth in and from care. In addition to other volunteer activities, Lucas participated in the Youth Employability Project (Y.E.P) as a service receiver. Lucas was also the 2005 recipient of the Nova Scotia Council for the Family’s Youth Achievement Award (YAA) and was selected in 2006 by the Youth in Care Committee of the Nova Scotia Council for the Family to participate as a Youth Co-Emcee at the Youth Achievement Awards Ceremony.

Bryden Hutt
Six year old Bryden was born with a rare condition that left him without an immune system. To protect him from the outside world, where even a common cold could be life threatening, Bryden became the “boy in the bubble”, with no safe way to touch the outside world until a young man from Germany stepped forward to donate life saving bone marrow. When the transplant was over, though Bryden was still fighting his way through life threatening complications, he was able to meet the man who saved his life, through a wish from the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. To this day, Bryden remains in close contact with “Felix” and looks forward to the day when they can meet again.

Because Bryden knows the impact of a wish fulfilled, and what it meant to him and his family, Bryden chose to put his whole heart into raising money for the Children’s Wish Foundation Walk for Wishes. Although this was not his first year in the walk, what he chose to do for the Wish Foundation surprised and impressed all of the people that his life has touched. He set out to raise enough money to grant another child’s wish. He wanted to make another child as happy as the Wish Foundation had made him. After going door to door, in his walker, and from the support of family and friends, Bryden raised over $7100. Bryden is a bright and happy little boy with a huge and generous heart. His disabilities and health risks, although difficult for his little body, do not slow him down. Instead of being upset with his restrictions, he simply says, “Well everyone is different!”

2009

Barb Stegemann
Born and raised in rural Nova Scotia, Barb is no stranger to adversity. She grew up in a family of very modest means and with a severe hearing impairment. Yet nothing has stopped her from reaching her goals. Barb has made it her personal and professional mission to narrow the gap between rich and poor through her work in communications and economic development. Her definition of excellence is simple, “To be better than you were yesterday – never stop learning and never stop teaching.”

She has won awards from the Economic Developers Association of Canada for her work in British Columbia. In 2006, she presented her model for revitalizing impoverished communities and reversing urban decay at the Vancouver World Urban Forum. Most recently, she launched a communications company called The 7 Virtues Communications Group which looks at empowering stakeholders in building healthy communities through strategic communications and partnerships.

In addition to lecturing across Canada, on empowering women to connect with both their buying and voting power, On March 8^th, 2008, International Women’s Day, she launched her first book, The 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen. Barb donates 40 % of the proceeds from her book to charitable causes; she launched the Philosopher Queen Scholarship at the University of King’s College, specifically targeted for Nova Scotian women who have lived through poverty and who are studying philosophy.

Barb was also recently acknowledged by the Progress Club as a 2008 Woman of Excellence.

Tim Vallillee
Tim was born with Cystic Fibrosis with a dim prognosis, not expected to live past the age of 2. Through remarkable resilience and sheer determination, Tim turned his physical adversity and passion for life into a career of spreading joy and laughter into the lives of those he encounters.

A self taught guitarist and singer songwriter, Tim has been an active member of the local music scene for over 20 years. He has inspired and entertained audiences of all ages through his powerful performances and motivational speaking.

An active member of the community, he has volunteered and raised money for many charitable organizations, especially focusing on Cystic Fibrosis, hoping that someday a cure will be found. Whether working or volunteering in the community, Tim works tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome is achieved.

He is courageous, passionate and makes it his mission to make a difference in the world, especially to his young son Isaiah

Travis Malay
Travis  is 15 years old and has been a Junior Leader at the Healthy Kidz After School Program for the last 2 years.

Born 2 months premature, Travis was always the smallest in his class. As the oldest of 5 children, Travis has always been a great help around the house, but at times has found it difficult to relate to his younger siblings. For his own enjoyment, Travis prefers solitary activities like reading and drawing.

Since his enrolment in Family SOS' Summer Teens Program, and subsequently as a Junior Leader for the Healthy Kidz After School Program, Travis has found, in his words, “another family”. Travis has gained a bigger sense of responsibility for his actions, and has recognized his role as an example to the younger children he interacts with. His confidence has increased, he is becoming more and more mature, and he has gained many new friends from his work with other Healthy Kidz volunteers.

As a child, Travis always wanted to be an archaeologist, and to travel the world. Recognizing that at 15 he has many new experiences ahead of him, it is easy to see that no matter where his path leads, he will be helping others. His passion for helping people make positive changes in their lives makes him a very big guy in our eyes!

TJ Drysdale
TJ  was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome at the age of 5. As a result of his diagnosis, TJ made the most of specially designed program plans at school, tailored for his unique learning goals. His achievements were considerable though he remained slightly behind his peers and chose to enrol in a more specialized program through the Options Opportunities Program providing hands on Co-Op placements for senior high school students.

Not unlike other kids, when TJ turned 12 he faced a difficult situation at home with his parents divorce. This change forced TJ to adjust to 2 separate households and 6 new siblings. Perhaps because of his resolve or his new found ability to juggle many demands, TJ began volunteering. A friend introduced him to the Family SOS Healthy Kidz Program at Greystone. TJ soon became one of the most committed supports through his work as a volunteer, a Junior Leader and later an employee working every day after school and full time during the summer months. In working with children, TJ draws heavily on his own personal experiences. He is empathetic, patient and has a fantastic sense of humour. TJ reminds us that there is no “cookie cutter” approach to life and appreciates differences while encouraging others to draw on diversity to form friendships. And if that wasn’t enough! TJ also volunteers at the Chebucto Boys and Girls Club, as a Patient Escort at the IWK, and at the Spryfield Santa Claus Parade, where he has been an active organizer for the last 3 years. As of January 29^th, TJ will have completed all requirements for his high school diploma and Co-Op work term, having logged over 300 hours in just 2 months! He will graduate in June and plans on enrolling in the police force focusing on a career working with youth at risk.

2008

Michelle Mahoney
Michelle was born with a rare congenital disorder known as Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenital, Michelle spent the majority of her childhood at the IWK Hospital in Halifax, away from her family in Springhill. Michelle displayed resilience, strength and the ability to overcome significant obstacles as she was told that she would never be able to walk or live an independent adult life. But Michelle was determined to live an independent life; learning to play the piano, ice skate, drive and graduating from St. FX University.

Michelle has worked at Dalhousie University for the past 9 years and is currently the undergraduate secretary in the Faculty of Computer Science.  A strong supporter and advocate for Diversity Education and for the Diversity Employment Equity Program. Michelle volunteers her time at the IWK Hospital, for the IWK Telethon, Abilities Foundation 24 hour Relay, participates in the Terry Fox Run each September and is an alumnus of the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program. Michelle is currently undergoing rehabilitation from extensive reconstructive hip surgery and continues to overcome challenges with optimism, good cheer, common sense and determination.

“I can do what you can; it just takes me a little bit longer” Michelle Mahoney

Dave MacKenzie
Dave grew up in Pictou County in a home full of tension and abuse. Dave’s life eventually spun completely out of control and he wound up committing a violent offence, and was convicted of second degree murder in 1984.  Dave served 10 years in prison and will be on parole for the rest of his life.  However, Dave has found countless ways to give back to his community despite having had to overcome major adversities in his life.

Today Dave is an educator, a role model, a gentle human being and an example to young people of what they can become, and what they can do if they set their minds to it. Dave inspires people to see their true potential. Today Dave is a senior In-Reach Worker for Corrections Canada, working with young offenders who are incarcerated or being reintegrated into society after years of incarceration. Dave uses his past mistakes to allow others the opportunity to learn and to better themselves.  Dave volunteers with LOVE youth and is an inspirational speaker at schools. Dave has become a supporter some of the most marginalized people as he seeks to overcome the stigmas of being an offender and works for the very system that once incarcerated him.

“There is no glory what so ever in committing crime, in the community, or in institutional criminal lifestyles.  Crime can only alienate you further from society overall”  Dave MacKenzie

Michael Armstrong
Michael  is also known as 12 storeys or twelve for short. His life changed suddenly in 1992 during a daily run in Montreal. Michael fell over 100 feet into a rock quarry, damaging his spinal cord, fracturing his skull, breaking nearly every bone in his body, leaving him partly blind and deaf. He was told that he would never walk again, however he was determined and now walks with the assistance of a cane.

Today Michael values his second chance at life and wants to make the most of it, spreading happiness through flowers. Michael overcame the barriers caused by this accident and started his own business, winning the Network for Entrepreneurs of the Year Award 2002-2003, due to his dedication and persistence. Although Michael faces difficulties every day, selling flowers brings him joy and purpose in life, which motivates him to keep going.

 “Life is what you make of it. If you wanna be a success in life, the only one who’s gonna do it is you”  Michael Armstrong

Felekech Woldehana
Originally from Ethiopia, Felekech has overcome many ordeals, frightening experiences and a life full of chaos. She fled to a refugee camp during the civil war; leaving behind her home and belongings In 1993 Felekech was sponsored to immigrate to Canada with her six children ranging from 2 to 18 years of age.

Felekech documented her life story in a book entitled Sparkle: the Lucky Girl of Emperor Haile Selassie. This is a story about her determination to break the cycle of terror, fear, frustration and domination; which also illustrates her courage, perseverance, faith and dignity. Felekech hopes to use her story to inspire hope and courage; to help others deal with their own challenges. Felekech is a founding member of Immigrant Women Support Association, volunteers for MISA and the multicultural festival and works for DCS. Felekech views every new experience as providing valuable lessons.

“No matter what difficult problems I face, I consider the positive sides of the issues; I look at the issues as lessons”  Felekech Woldehana

2007

Yacob Butros
Originally from Sudan, Yacob and his family left their war torn country for a refugee camp in Ethiopia in 1997. Eventually Yacob and an older sibling transferred to another Ethiopian province in order to apply for immigration to Canada through the sponsored immigration program. In 2002, Yacob and his older brother left Ethiopia to come Canada in the hopes of gaining educational opportunities and a better life.

The Phoenix Supervised Apartment Program has been this unsung hero’s home for the past year. At 18, he is preparing to graduate from Queen Elizabeth High School and hopes to one day become a pilot. Active in rugby and Cadets, Yacob has also found the time to volunteer for Youth Net and the YMCA Newcomers Program. Yacob’s healthy and positive attitude is an inspiration to all.

Linda Swaine
Linda grew up in foster homes, never knowing her biological parents. Diagnosed blind at the age of 5, she was placed at the Nova Scotia Youth Training Center in Truro. Linda’s early years were marked by pain and abuse. Later, she married and had a son, but found herself living through domestic violence and isolation. 12 years ago, she suffered spinal cord deterioration and became unable to walk. Forced to spend four months in hospital while learning to walk again, Linda recognizing her need for extra support and help, and reached out to Family SOS, taking part in 2 of our programs: Positive Parenting and Family Intervention

Today Linda is remarried and wishes only to have a lasting and loving relationship with her husband and watch her son be the best he can be. Linda makes invaluable contributions to our community by volunteering with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind in Halifax and Dartmouth.

Susan Guidry
Susan has harnessed enormous strength of resilience. Surviving child abuse and neglect, violence and pain, she grew up watching out for and protecting those around her. Starting with her mother and then her siblings, Susan attempted to deflect the abuse imposed on those around her by putting herself in the line of fire. Once she could no longer do this she reached out for help and began a lifelong process of healing. She accomplishes this by reaching out to others with her story and sharing her message; to reduce stigma and let others know they are not alone.

In addition to speaking publicly on violence against woman and child sexual abuse, Susan works as a counselor at Alice Housing, a transition shelter for women, she is helping to raise her grandchildren and hopes to earn her Bachelor of Social Work degree.

Kathy Boudreau
Kathy is truly an amazing woman! She is a vibrant community counselor whose life experiences have translated into helping vulnerable, isolated women in our community. Having overcome addictions, abuse and family dysfunction; she has been clean for over 9 years and has been giving back to her family, friends, colleagues and community.

She has worked at Barry House with homeless women as well as working with Mainline Needle Exchange. Recently, she has graduated with a counseling certificate and counsels women incarcerated at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility. Creator of “Go Girls”, a volunteer based program to support women who want to make positive changes in their lives, she sets an excellent example to her niece and nephew by providing them with a warm, loving and secure home along with her partner.