Waterloo Region – November 5, 2020 – Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region and St. John’s Status of Women Council / Women’s Centre have been named the two winners of the Manulife Governance Excellence Award this year. The award was presented on Thursday at the opening night of the 12th Manulife Board Governance BootCamp.
For the first time in the award’s history, two non-profits have been selected as the recipients of the award and would be awarded a prize of $5,000 each. “It would not have been possible to announce a second award if it wasn’t for the generous support Capacity Canada has received from Manulife and Suncor Energy Foundation,” said Cathy Brothers, CEO of Capacity Canada.
Since 2016, nominations have been invited every year from graduates of Manulife Board Governance BootCamp for the Excellence in Board Governance Award and admission to the Board of Directors Hall of Fame. Nominees must demonstrate how they have applied specific learning from their BootCamp experience to their board practices. Nominees are asked to build a case for why they deserve this award.
“Winning this award means recognition for how far the organization has come in a short time in terms of improving its governance structures while still holding true to our feminist, anti-oppression and harm reduction values. Overall, it highlights the wonderful work of our volunteer board. We know women already work a double shift at work and in the home, and our board works the third shift for us through their volunteerism. Our board is extremely diverse and has women from single mothers to busy lawyers to women with lived experience in sex work. Their commitment to our organization is exemplary, and this award is meaningful because it reflects on all their hard work,” said Laura Winters, Executive Director, St. John’s Status of Women Council/Women’s Centre.
Founded in 1972, the St. John’s Status of Women Council/Women’s Centre is a feminist organization that has been working to achieve equality and justice through political activism, community collaboration and the creation of a safe and inclusive space for all women in the St. John’s area. Winters further added they are excited to be able to spend the award funds to continue their work in the area of governance.
Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, the second recipient of the award, was founded in 1981 with the goal of creating a community where everyone belongs. It was founded 40 years ago by a group of parents who wanted their children with developmental disabilities to have friends and be included in their community. The organization champions an inclusive community for all by working with people with disabilities, their networks and the broader community.
“The award will boost the confidence of our board members, donors, and funders. We believe excellence starts at the top, and our board has been extremely committed to the BootCamp,” said Allan Mills, Executive Director, Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region.
Today, the organization has over 300 staff supporting more than 2,000 individuals with disabilities. As a local non-profit, EAFWR’s breadth of programs ensures it can help people as they pass through all of life’s stages.
Capacity Canada has organized board governance BootCamps since 2009 to support board members and leaders better understand their roles in the operation of non-profits. The Manulife Board Governance BootCamp is a three-day event organized every year.
For more on this Capacity Canada initiative or other programs, please visit capacitycanada.ca.
Contact:
Cathy Brothers, CEO, Capacity Canada
[email protected]
Office: 866-317-1992 x1
Mobile: 226-808-7220
Nasreen, Director of Communications, Capacity Canada
[email protected]
Office: 866-317-1992 x7
Mobile: 226-505-5757
