May 28, 2015
Story by Kerri Robins; Photo by Northern Lights Health Foundation
The Northern Lights Health Foundation is celebrating its leadership after Executive Director Susanne Chaffey received an Executive Leadership Award, and the foundation received a Community Impact Award on May 21.
The awards, presented by the Heart of Wood Buffalo Leadership Awards, recognized Chaffey’s work in moving the Northern Lights Health Foundation mission forward in creative and innovative ways, despite the challenges of the social profit sector’s many demands.
“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to work on behalf of such a wonderful organization, and with caring people who go above and beyond every day improving community health care,” says Chaffey.
Award winners were given a $5,000 reward to donate to a social profit community organization of their choice — and Chaffey’s prize was donated to the foundation.
Presented by FuseSocial and sponsored by Syncrude Canada Ltd., the fifth annual leadership awards ceremony presented awards in six categories: Leadership-Board, Leadership-Executive, Leadership-Social Prosperity, Community Impact, Volunteer Recognition and Newcomer Engagement.
Chaffey was recognized for her contributions in achieving her foundation’s strategic vision, mission and financial objectives and the effectiveness of day-to-day operations.
“I’m proud to be part of the vibrant social fabric in our region and I’m privileged to work in a community that’s committed to health care and enriching the lives of so many families, patients and community members,” says Chaffey.
She was not the only award recipient for her foundation.
The foundation received the Heart of Wood Buffalo Community Impact Award, and Board Chair Paul Taylor was a finalist in the Board Leadership category for leadership excellence.
Chaffey’s leadership has also led the foundation to achieving accredited status last May through Imagine Canada’s National Standard’s Program, a Canada-wide set of shared standards for charities and non-profits designed to strengthen practices in five fundamental areas: board governance, financial accountability and transparency, fundraising, staff management, and volunteer involvement.
Accreditation is a rigorous, peer-reviewed process meant to build public trust and confidence.
Established in 1985, the foundation funds medical equipment, programs and services in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. With the substantial support from the community, the foundation has funded initiatives such as the Inner-City Homeless Health Initiative, the Baby-Friendly Initiative and an Aboriginal Health Liaison position.
For more information, visit northernlightshealthfoundation.ca
