Over the past year, volunteers, supporters, and staff of The Kidney Foundation of Canada have helped create meaningful progress for Canadians living with kidney disease. Their efforts have expanded access to resources, elevated patient voices and stories, strengthened support networks, and increased awareness of kidney health across the country.
“When people come together with purpose and compassion, lives change,” said Elizabeth Myles, National Executive Director of the Foundation. “Because of the dedication of our volunteers, donors, and staff, more Canadians living with kidney disease know they are not alone and that they have the support they need to move forward with strength and hope.”
During our virtual 2026 National Recognition Awards Ceremony held in late September 2026, we proudly recognized and celebrated the remarkable individuals whose contributions have helped drive this impact coast to coast.
2026 Volunteer Award Recipients:
Branch Service Award: Dave McIsaac Jr., Suraj Wadhawan
National President’s Award: Sylvie Charbonneau
Fund Development Impact Award: Charlie Freeman, Steve Freeman, Cathy Pennington
Kidney Health Media Award: Sher-E-Punjab
Organ Donation & Transplantation Leadership Award: Harry Brownlow, Rob MacKay Dunn, Dr. John Gill, Dr. Nessa Gogan, Ramya Hosak, Shanna Liber, Maryna O’Neill, Megan Owen-Evans, Michelle Zuccaro
Research Program Award: Dr. Nina Jones, Dr. Rob Quinn
Special Recognition Impact Award: Robert Cook; Harroop Ahuja, Vince Andrews, Sylvie Charbonneau, Sean Delaney, François-René Dussault, Francine Girard-Griffith, Anne Huang, Sue Huffman, Dave McKeague (In Memoriam), Vanessa Tait, Nancy Verdin
Young Philanthropist Award: Joey Ficocelli
Order of Excellence Award: Kurtis Krug
We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to several members of The Kidney Foundation team who were recognized for their outstanding leadership, commitment, and service.
Organ Donation & Transplantation Leadership Award: Dylan Kubota
National President’s Award: Elizabeth Myles
Special Recognition Impact Award: Teresa Atkinson, Rosanna Mitchell
Staff Circle of Excellence Award: Steven Bitaxi, Deanna Kulczycky
Staff Leadership Award: Jennifer Laliberté
To all our award recipients, volunteers, staff, and supporters: thank you. Your compassion, generosity, and unwavering dedication are changing lives and bringing us closer to a future where no one faces kidney disease alone.
Interested in making your mark? Join us as a volunteer today.
