As a member of one of Vancouver’s most philanthropic families, Lorne Segal has been to a lot of fundraising galas. But when he went to his first Courage to Come Back awards night, he couldn’t figure out why there was a box of Kleenex on the table.
And then he heard the recipients’ acceptance speeches.
“I quickly realized that the power of the stories told could move anyone to tears, and I was witnessing the miracles of everyday life,” he said at the launch of this year’s award nominations. “These are people whose daily example makes us walk a little bit taller on our own path, and try just a bit harder to overcome our own difficulties. They demonstrate extraordinary character facing challenges most of us can’t even imagine.”
He was so impressed by the stories “of triumph and courage” that he’s chaired the awards for the past 10 years. And Coast Mental Health, which sponsors the awards, was so impressed by Segal’s stewardship of its most important fundraiser that it nominated him for the Order of British Columbia, which he received last fall.
The Courage awards honour B.C. residents in six categories: mental health, physical rehabilitation, medical, addiction, social adversity and youth. Nominations are open until Feb. 13, and the gala, which has raised $13 million over its 17 years, will be on May 7.
“Examples of inspiration and strength are all around us if we have the eyes to see. Look around you and see the person [to nominate],” Segal said.
Nomination forms are available at every Scotiabank branch in British Columbia. You can also go to CourageToComeBack.ca or phone 1-877-602-6278 for details.
