Selkirk Paving Awarded for Exceptional Public Awareness
By Contributor
Selkirk Paving is the recipient of this year’s Exceptional Public Awareness Program Award – Group Category, presented by the ALS Society of BC.
The purpose of this award category is to evaluate and recognize excellence in fundraising programs implemented during the previous 12 months. This award recognizes an individual or project team who has demonstrated excellence in fundraising. An exceptional program develops an innovative idea and attains or exceeds a fundraising goal. This can be a new or continuing program.
Manager of Selkirk Paving, Tony Maida said he is inspired by people living with ALS, in particular Gord Shannon, who he considers his mentor. Shannon is the West Kootenay Walk to End ALS coordinator and was diagnosed with ALS in 1997.
For many years, Selkirk Paving has painted the Walk to End ALS logo on the side of a number of concrete trucks drums to increase awareness for ALS and to promote the Walk.
To further increase awareness and to raise funds for ALS, Selkirk Paving hosted an event called Dig with Dad at a local shopping centre, providing the opportunity for local kids to have a hands on experience with the various machinery owned by the company.
More than $5,000 was raised for the West Kootenay Walk, bringing the 2019 total for their TEAM SPL/NRM to $13,335!
“I have learned that many people are unaware of [ALS] and that there is no cure for it,” says Maida. “It is important to spread and share the awareness and information.”
“Please join the movement and donate/support to ALS because every dollar raised will have a huge impact on individuals, families and friends that are affected by this disease. The money and time invested would enhance the quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure.”
“We all must do our part, big or small and we can all make a difference.”
Due to COVID-19, the Annual Volunteer Awards Night held by the ALS Society of BC is being replaced with individual presentations facilitated by the Society’s executive director, Wendy Toyer.
About ALS
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that affects the person’s motor neurons that carry messages to the muscles resulting in weakness and wasting in arms, legs, mouth, throat and elsewhere; typically the person is immobilized within two to five years of the initial diagnosis. There is no known cause or cure yet, but there is hope through the ALS Society of BC.
About ALS Society of BC
The ALS Society of BC is dedicated to providing direct support to ALS patients, along with their families and caregivers, to ensure the best quality of life possible while living with ALS. This support includes an extensive equipment loan program, support groups, psychological support and educational materials. Through supporting research, we are committed to finding the cause of, and cure for ALS.
Photo Caption: ALS executive director, Wendy Toyer presents Selkirk Paving Manager, Tony Maida with the 2020 Exceptional Public Awareness Program Award – Group Category.
