CAMH Foundation honours seven extraordinary Canadians at the Inaugural CAMH Transforming Lives Awards

On Thursday, May 8, over 800 people gathered at the Sheraton Centre hotel in Toronto for the inaugural CAMH Transforming Lives Awards gala dinner and ceremony. The event, presented by RBC Capital Markets, raised over $650,000 in support of CAMH’s pioneering Queen Street Site Redevelopment project.

Guests were profoundly moved by the stories of inspiring Canadians honoured for overcoming mental illness or addiction and using their experiences to help others. Among the recipients was CBC radio host Shelagh Rogers, for her candor about her experiences with depression. The event also featured a special tribute to the Honourable Michael Kirby, Chair of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, who was presented with the first ever CAMH Transforming Lives Community Leadership Award.

CAMH Foundation Transforming Lives Award Recipients (from l-r): Honourable Michael Kirby, Earla Dunbar, Andrew Galloway, Clara Locey, Alex Troeger, Graeme Bonar and Shelagh Rogers.

The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, paid tribute to the recipients and to all associated with CAMH – supporters, volunteers, board members and staff – for their commitment to ending the stigma surrounding these issues, and for their work to ensure that all Canadians are empowered to reach their full potential.

Dr. Paul Garfinkel, CAMH President and CEO, urged guests directly to “take up our cause, do what you can to contribute your good will to those whose lives have been ravaged not only by addictions and mental illness, but also by the corrosive power of discrimination. Speak out about equity in healthcare. Advocate for housing for those recovering. Please, do what you can to see that this hierarchy of misery ends. It is your efforts, combined with ours, that will make a profound and lasting difference.”

Speeches were also presented by Gordon J. Bell, Managing Director and Head Global Mining and Metals of RBC Capital Markets, with closing remarks from Rod Phillips, Chair of the 2008 Transforming Lives Awards Dinner.

Dr. David S. Goldbloom, CAMH Senior Medical Advisor, Education and Public Affairs, hosted the event and guests were treated to a powerful performance by vocal ensemble Vivace Vox.

On June 7, tune into Rogers Cable 10/63 at 8pm to watch the award ceremony and catch all the highlights.

Thank you to our inspiring award recipients, generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers for making the inaugural CAMH Transforming Lives Awards an unqualified success and a night to remember.

To see photos from the event, please visit the CAMH Foundation website.