PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Growing Social Good – Recognizing Cathy Brothers as the Next Citizen of the Year
March 26, 2024 – KITCHENER – Cathy Brothers will be recognized as the 64th Kitchener-Waterloo Citizen of the Year on May 30th. Described as a “leader of leaders,” she displays an impressive array of roles and accomplishments across various sectors.
“I am grateful to live in a community in which I can be myself, I can work hard and I can feel loved and valued by so many beautiful friends,” shares Cathy Brothers. “Thank you Lions Club of Kitchener for considering me a worthy Citizen of the Year.”
Cathy has over 50 years of experience in health and social services sectors, during which she has provided invaluable guidance to numerous organizations nationwide, particularly in administrative and governance matters. Her roles have included Director of Community Services at St. Mary’s Hospital, Executive Director at Carizon Family & Community Services and teaching Social Policy courses at the University of Guelph.
In 2010, Cathy became the founding CEO of Capacity Canada, a position she still holds today. Her commitment to fostering social good inCanada is evident in her emphasis on collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship across sectors.
Cathy’s extensive Board service includes organizations such as St. Jerome’s University, Rotary Club of Kitchener-Westmount, Family Service Ontario, and St. Mary’s General Hospital, among others. She has received numerous honors and awards for her exceptional contributions, including recognition as one of Laurier’s 100 Alumni of Distinction, and the St. Mary’s Mission Legacy Award for exceptional service.
Event Co-Chairs Mary D’Alton and Jack Bishop, praise Cathy’s exceptional qualities, noting her passion, dedication and the respect she is afforded from all those who have had the privilege of working with her. “These qualities and more make her an excellent choice for the 2023 Citizen of the Year award.”
About the Kitchener-Waterloo Citizen of the Year
Hosted by the Lions Club of Kitchener, the Citizen of the Year Award recognizes a deserving resident from the Kitchener and Waterloo area and is the club’s premier fundraising initiative. The award was first presented to Ira Needles in 1957. Over the years, the long list of esteemed community visionaries has grown to include names like: Elizabeth Witmer, Neil Aitchison, Ron Schlegel, Mandy Bujold and Jim Hallman.
Seats are limited. Table and sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting [email protected] or [email protected]. Individual tickets may be available in May. The Citizen of the Year gala reception will start at 6:00 pm with dinner to follow at 7:00 pm.
Photo enclosed: Cathy Brothers
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About the Lions Club of Kitchener
Each year the Lions Club of Kitchener brings joy to many children in the community by organizing and running the K-W Santa Claus Parade. The Citizen of the Year is another project that the Club operates to help recognize a deserving citizen in K-W for the many hours of service he/she has contributed to community endeavours.
The Club is a major supporter of the Lions Foundation of Canada which trains and provides dog guides for people who are visually impaired, hearing impaired, physically disabled, and diabetic as well as dog guides for seizure response and autism assistance. Annually, the Lions Club of Kitchener makes significant donations to organizations promoting youth sports and exchange programs, sight conservation, support for the elderly and poverty-stricken, prenatal health and to local hospitals.
Media Contact:
Jack Bishop, Co-Chair, Citizen of the Year
519-575-6184 or [email protected]
Lions Club of Kitchener office: (519) 745-1541 or www.kitchenerlionsclub.ca
