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The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Ontario Branch celebrated many of its amazing volunteers at its Impact Awards ceremony on April 30, 2025.

The theme for National Volunteer Week 2025 is Volunteers Make Waves. It highlights the power, impact and importance of individual and collective volunteer efforts across Canada. Like a wave, volunteering is movement building.

“Each volunteers contribution makes a positive change and makes it possible for The Kidney Foundation to carry out its mission to ease the burden of kidney disease,” said Anthony Tirone, Ontario Branch Executive Director. “Our annual Impact Awards ceremony gives us an opportunity each year to pause and celebrate the contributions of the many individuals and groups who contribute to the success of many events, programs and outreach initiatives.”

Volunteers support efforts across a wide variety of activities, including fundraising, programs, advocacy, community awareness building and Foundation development. Last year, Ontario volunteers contributed over 10,000 hours to help The Kidney Foundation carry out its mission.

“Volunteers are tremendous ambassadors who bring more attention to the seriousness of kidney disease and our work to make a positive difference,” added Tirone.

2025 Ontario Impact Award Recipients:

James Bellamy
Kevin Mallia
Piko Mbolekwa
Jose Medeiros
Kuldip Singh
Katie Skidmore
Marlene Smith
Kathleen Zavarise
Kazman Foundation for Charitable Giving
Order of the Eastern Star - Ontario

During the ceremony, The Kidney Foundation also recognized several employees for outstanding contributions:

Dickson Li
Tannis McMillan
President’s Award Recipient – Anthony Tirone