ST. PAUL – The St. Paul Abilities Network (SPAN) put the spotlight on individuals dedicated to making the community a better place during its annual general meeting and awards night on Nov. 16.
The first award presented was the Nancy Yake Team Building Award, “in recognition to the team or person that supports excellence in team building and does extraordinary work with their group of people,” said Anthony opden Dries, executive director of SPAN.
Alicia Espinoza won the award. “[Espinoza] works very well with all the staff within our program area,” said opden Dries.
President’s Award of Excellence
Luxmanan Kulasingam won the President’s Award of Excellence, presented by Leonard Gagne, president of SPAN’s board. The award recognizes “outstanding achievements” of individuals in the service of people with disabilities, said Gagne.
Kulasingam is often out in the community, walking with people with disabilities, and attending events of interest, said Gagne. He commended Kulasingam’s patience with people, always ensuring “individuals are heard and feel fulfilled in their day-to-day life.”
He added, “[Kulasingam is also continuing his education to become a social worker which helps with his day-to-day job.”
Chief Executive Officers Award
Curtis Isley was awarded this year's Chief Executive Officers Award, presented by opden Dries.
Isley has been working to grow the Alberta Brain Injury Network Program beyond St. Paul after becoming the coordinator of the Alberta Brain Injury Initiative (ABII).
The ABII is a provincial initiative aimed at assisting adults who have acquired a brain injury, helping them participate, live, and work in their communities. SPAN is the service coordinator for the program in St. Paul.
Peter Fardnen Award
An award has also been renamed this year, in recognition of the work of a previous SPAN member. Previously known as the SPAN Community Award, the award has been renamed to the Peter Farnden Award.
Farnden was a former acting CEO with SPAN, and opden Dries said Farnden “did a lot for the organization.”
He added, “The Peter Farnden Award is recognition of ethics, excellence, and empowerment for people with diverse abilities.”
The award was given to Peace Businge, who “always has the individual’s best interest at heart and puts her all into her... job,” said opden Dries. “She encourages other individuals to take advantage of their independence and helps them be their best person.”
According to opden Dries, all those who won the awards were nominated by SPAN staff.
After being president for four years, Gagne also announced he would be stepping down from the position. SPAN is currently looking for a new president and a new board member.
Gagne thanked and acknowledged all SPAN staff, and the board, stating, “We’ve got such a wide range of talent, skills, leadership and acumens. The board has probably never been stronger in our 59 years.”
He added, “I’m proud to work with all of you... it’s been an incredibly fulfilling four years.”
