Two brothers from Richmond were among ten groups and individuals recognized for their efforts in raising awareness and donations for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Justin Smailes, along with his brother, Nolan, both won the Leaders of Tomorrow Award at Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society of British Columbia Annual Awards.
Their award, which recognizes those under 25 who volunteer to make a difference in those living with ALS, comes after the pair took part in the ALS Golf Tournament for Hope.
The two elementary school students operated the Ice Cream Hospitality Hole for over six hours in the Kamloops heat. The boys even had to be coaxed into relaxing and eating an ice cream because they were concerned there wouldn’t be enough for the golfers.
“We do this because of our dad who passed away (from ALS),” said Nolan.
Dr. Elizabeth Bannerman was the recipient of the Leadership Development Award, given to individuals or chapters who display outstanding leadership development in ALS.
Bannerman was able to recruit other psychologists to join the program to support people affected by ALS, and had other societies from different provinces inquire her about starting their own program.
The Award for Exceptional Public Awareness, given to those whom in the previous year helped the raise public awareness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis through liaisons with media or reaching out to public, was awarded to Serge Vallaincourt.
Vallaincourt worked with local media on Vancouver Island to secure a new Volunteer Walk Coordinator.
Not only does the ALSBC recognize outstanding members in their communities, but they also run a number of programs for those who have been affected by ALS, one of these programs is the equipment loan program.
