On Thursday June 9th , Surrey Place Centre was proud to host its Annual Inspiring Hope Event in recognition of outstanding contributions made in support of people with developmental disabilities. 
This year, over 200 people attended the event whereby Surrey Place Centre recognized the tremendous support we receive from our sponsors and funders and together acknowledge the staff who have dedicated their careers to Surrey Place Centre.

Awards were also handed out to Ms. Shahin Lakhani for her outstanding volunteer work with the North IBI Surrey Place Centre Toronto Partnership for Autism Services for that last 3 years and to Dr. Alvin Loh for his exceptional spirit.  Ms. Lakhani received the Surrey Place Centre Outstanding Volunteer Award and Dr. Loh the Surrey Place Centre Staff Spirit Award.  

The evening concluded with the Surrey Place Centre June Callwood Award recipients.  This year Surrey Place Centre recognized and celebrated the contributions made by the following people:

Aldene Hussett – Self-advocacy, Volunteerism, Fundraising, Public Speaking and Board Membership

Aldene demonstrates that through caring, commitment and kindness, great things can be achieved. Aldene in her many roles as a volunteer at Surrey Place Centre has inspired, educated, created, supported and called others to action in support of people living with developmental disabilities.

Dr. Joseph Berg – Education, Service and Research
 
Dr. Berg has contributed continuously to the field of developmental disabilities in a wide range of areas including clinical service development, research and education.  He has contributed a great deal in the area of Down syndrome research and genetic counseling for families.  His contributions have led to the advancements in the field of developmental disabilities in all areas including knowledge, integration, acceptance, understanding and clinical practice.

Paul, Mark, and Sean Etherington – Volunteerism and Philanthropy

In the fall of 2001; Paul, Mark and Sean deliberated as to how they could make a greater impact on Special Olympics Canada, a charity they had supported since childhood.  What grew out of the brothers’ first meeting was “motionball” a charitable organization that is designed to introduce a new generation of supporters, sponsors, and volunteers to the Special Olympics movement through integrated sporting and social events.

Congratulations and thank you for another successful Surrey Place Centre event.