Recognition Programs

To celebrate people’s extraordinary work on behalf of the Foundation we have put in place a comprehensive Recognition Program to honor volunteers, staff, individuals, researchers, groups and organizations across the country. All efforts are vital to the success of The Kidney Foundation and every hour of support makes us a stronger, more vibrant and effective organization.

Our National Recognition Program recognizes volunteers,staff members, and outside individuals and organizations for their exceptional work. Since the program began, many groups and individuals across the country have been honoured for their contributions.

Additionally, Regional Recognition Programs are offered by some of our branch offices to recognize exceptional work in their region.

Nomination Process

1. Look at the List of Awards to pick a suitable award for your nominee(s).
2. We accept nominations from volunteers, staff, or members of the public.
3. All nominations should be submitted via the online form.
4. The nominator must provide detailed information to support the nomination of the individual, in some cases additional back up testimonials may be required.

All nominations must be submitted by March 31st, 2025.

For any questions, please contact [email protected].

To submit a nomination, please complete this online form.

List of Awards

• National Awards

  Our National Recognition Program recognizes volunteers, individuals, branch offices, chapters and outside organizations for their exceptional work. Since the program began, many groups and individuals across the country have been honoured for their contributions.

• The Ashenmil Legacy Award

  Celebrating the legacy of Harold W. Ashenmil, who was instrumental in establishing the Foundation as a leading organization in kidney health and organ donation, this award is a testament to the power of volunteerism and the spirit of service that drives the Kidney Foundation.

  The Ashenmil Legacy Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Kidney Foundation of Canada to a distinguished volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact in advancing the Foundation’s vision and mission.

  The recipient of this award is selected from a pool of outstanding volunteer nominees who have served the Foundation at the national level for several years and have made significant contributions and impact to its programs, initiatives, and advocacy.

• The Ornstein Service Award

  Honoring the memory and legacy of one of the founding members of the Kidney Foundation of Canada, this award is a testament to a volunteer’s passion, commitment, and impact in improving the lives of people living with kidney disease.

  This award recognizes a volunteer who has demonstrated exemplary service at the Branch level, and who has made significant contributions to the growth and development of the Branch furthering the important goals, objectives, and impact of the Foundation.

• The Dossetor Research Award

  The Dossetor Research Award honors the legacy of Dr. John B. Dossetor, a pioneer of kidney research in Canada and a founding member of the Kidney Foundation. It recognizes volunteer contribution to the Foundation’s Research Program and is a testament to the power of research and the spirit of discovery that drives our organization.

  The recipient(s) of this award have demonstrated impact through innovation, leadership, and dedication in advancing kidney health by virtue of significant contributions to the Foundation’s research program (i.e. securing funding, developing partnerships, raising awareness, or serving on research committees).

• The Karley Patient Services Award

  Honouring the legacy of Mary Lou Karley, a former National President, renal social worker, and long-time advocate of patient services issues, this award recognizes an individual volunteer or group of volunteers who have made a significant impact to the Foundation’s Patient Services programs and activities.

  By providing support, education, advocacy, or resources, the recipient(s) of this award are selected from a pool of individuals who are dedicated to championing patient program initiatives that contribute to positive outcomes in the lives of kidney patients, their families and our kidney community.

• The Organ Donation and Transplantation Leadership Award

  This award is dedicated to the testament and power of organ donation and transplantation and the impact that this has on our kidney community.

  This Award celebrates the achievements and excellence of volunteers either an individual, organization or group that has made significant impact on organ donation or transplantation through such things as increasing donor registration, improving transplant outcomes, enhancing patient care, advancing research, or raising awareness of organ donation with one goal in mind: improving the lives of people living with kidney disease and their families.

• The Kidney Health Media Award

  This award recognizes the outstanding contributions of media outlets, individuals, or organizations in raising public awareness of kidney disease and its impact on individuals and communities.

  The recipient(s) of this award have used their platform, expertise, or creativity to inform, educate, or inspire the public about kidney health, kidney disease prevention and treatment, organ donation & transplantation, or the Kidney Foundation’s programs and initiatives. It is not based on volunteer involvement with the Kidney Foundation, but rather on the quality, reach, and impact of the awareness campaign.

• The Special Recognition Impact Award

  This award celebrates the remarkable contributions of individuals or groups (staff or volunteers) who have made a significant impact on the Kidney Foundation and the kidney community through a single exceptional achievement or cumulative achievements over several years. This award is not linked to an individual’s tenure with the organization but rather on the quality and magnitude of the impact of their contribution which merits special recognition that is beyond the scope of our other National Award categories.

• The Fund Development Impact Award

  This award celebrates the impact that fund generation has on the ability of the Foundation to continue to carry out its vision of excellent kidney health, optimal quality of life for those affected by kidney disease, and a cure.

  Recognizing creativity, innovation, excellence, dedication and commitment, this award highlights the exceptional achievements of individuals*, groups* or organizations who have initiated, created, or collaborated in a fund development project that has had a significant impact on the Kidney Foundation’s mission and vision, either at a branch or national level.

  * Staff nominations for this award should highlight outstanding performance that goes beyond the scope of their job duties and expectations.

• The National President's Award

  This award is presented at the discretion of the National President to an individual or group who has made an outstanding contribution, and demonstrated outstanding dedication, to the Kidney Foundation.

  This award is discerned by the National President and therefore does not accept nominations.

• The Circle of Excellence Award

  This award highlights the exceptional achievements and contributions of our dedicated staff members.

  It recognizes individual(s) or working group(s) who have gone above and beyond their current role to make a positive impact in the lives of people living with kidney disease and our kidney community. Whether it is through a special project, a significant accomplishment, or an impact at the branch or national level, these outstanding staff members demonstrate excellence, initiative, leadership, teamwork, creativity, and innovation in their work.

• The Bresinger Leadership Award

  This award honors the legacy of Lawrence D. Bresinger, the first National Executive Director and a Founding Member of the Kidney Foundation. A visionary leader, Bresinger transformed the Foundation from a small group of individuals into an influential Canadian volunteer health charity.

  This award is the highest honour bestowed upon a staff member to recognize their significant and lasting impact on the Foundation from coast to coast.

  The recipient of this award has demonstrated leadership, innovation, collaboration, and excellence in their work which has contributed to advancing the Foundation’s programs, services, advocacy, awareness, fund development, or overall excellence. Their dedication to their role, and in making an impact on the Foundation, is inspirational and deserving of recognition.

• The Lifetime Achievement Award

  This award was created to recognize a volunteer’s lifetime of outstanding contribution to The Kidney Foundation and the kidney community. This award recognizes exceptional long-term service to the Foundation, bestowed only upon individuals continuously engaged with the Foundation for a minimum of 10 years.

  Candidates are individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, provided excellence in service, and served as role models through their dedicated support and selfless commitment. This award commemorates individuals who have provided inspiration to others and have created lasting impressions through their positive impacts on the Foundation’s mission and those we serve.

• The Young Philanthropist Award

  This award celebrates the inspiring achievements of young individuals, under the age of 35, who have supported the Foundation's mission and goals and have demonstrated impact through their financial support, fund development efforts, volunteer work, and/or leadership roles and have made a difference in the lives of people living with kidney disease. This award honours these exceptional young volunteer philanthropists, who are committed to the principles of community service and who are truly the future leaders and champions of the Kidney Foundation.