Independence through

In 2008, DeafBlind Ontario Services created an award entitled "Friends of Deafblind Ontario Services".  This prestigious award recognizes individuals, groups and organizations who, over time, have contributed in one or more of the following ways:

• contributed considerable personal time and effort to support DeafBind Ontario Services and/or our clients within their community;
• demonstrated leadership, excellent performance, and initiative as a volunteer to DeafBlind Ontario Services; or
• extensively promoted DeafBlind Ontario Services and our clients within their community.

The award itself is a framed print of one of our residences. 

Thank you to all our Friends, for their support and dedication:

2011:

• Brian Watkinson, volunteer
• Julia Ford, parent
• Anne Robin, Robins IDA Pharmacy (Newmarket)
• Superior Greenstone Association for Community Living
• Christian Horizons, East Region
• Leslie Souckey, Lutheran Community Care Centre
• Susan Shaw, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Elementary School (Keswick)
• Jeff Rouble & Ranada Gallant, East Side Mario's (Peterborough)
• Heritage Renovations, vendor
• Mike Merrifield, vendor
• Karen Klee, health care consultant

2010:

• Carmen & Dennis Vecchiato (parents – supporter)
• Barb Papin (parent – supporter)
• Lesley Banner (TAY, Peterborough - supporter)
• Lorraine Hesmondhalgh (Zooz Indoor Playground – community partner)
• Jessica Oickle & Gail Bigson (Bob Rumball Home for the Deaf - community partner)
• Herbert Mitterbock (St. George Banquet Hall - donor)
• Crystal Lee Ross (Springland Riding Stable - community partner)
• Steve & Andrew Simpson (Anjac Construction - vendor & donor)
• Kim Redman (St. Johns Ambulance Dog Therapy - community partner)
• Karen Chambers (Bob Rumball Associations for the Deaf – community partner)
• Jim Edie (K9 to 5 – community partner)

2009:

• Edward Abela (volunteer)
• Paulette Bedard (volunteer)
• Carol Gauthier (Community Living Iroquois Falls - supporter)
• Steve Huang (Baskin Robbins, Richmond Hill – community partner)
• Mary Lou Oakes (volunteer)
• Marian Patterson (donor, supporter)
• Sandy Phillips (North Hastings Community Integration Association - supporter)
• Carolyn Veldhuis (North Park Community Church – community partner)

2008:

• Craig Shields (volunteer)
• Ruth Taber (past board chair)
• Jennifer Moore (past board chair)
• Constantine & Stella Kalkanis (volunteers)
• Shelley Wishart (Orchard International – donor)
• Mac & Linda Rumble (M&M Meats Innisfil – donor)
• Chris & Sharon Sheppard (community partner)
• Reg & Nancy Harris (St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dog Program)
• Kevin Augustyn (Sobey’s Alcona Beach, supporter)
• Jason, Rod & Scott Boynton (Alcona Gas, Variety & Car Wash – community partner)
• Innisfil Fire & Rescue (community partner)
• Noggins Salon (Newmarket - supporter)
• Julie Smith (Shenderey’s Gymnastics - supporter)
• Dr. David Dixon (London - supporter)
• Jack Graydon (Lions Homes for Deaf People - donor)